CLAIM: Media reports claim one road accident occurs every 15 minutes in Zimbabwe, with most accidents being attributed to reckless driving and use of substandard vehicles.
Verdict: In 2023, this is a slight understatement
What is the extent of vehicle accident incidents in Zimbabwe?
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) recorded 38 482 road accidents countrywide between January and September 2023. This translates to 141 road accidents per day and 5.89 per hour or one accident every ten minutes.
TSCZ’s annual reports show that Zimbabwe had the highest road accident peak in 2018, when 58,738 incidents were recorded followed by, 51 107 in 2022 and 45 791 in 2021.
How many injuries and deaths have been caused by road accidents?
Statistics from TSCZ show that 14 600 people died and 74,000 were injured in road accidents between 2015 and 2022. Current statistics show that 1 545 deaths and 7 294 injuries have been recorded in the first nine months of 2023.
When do most accidents usually occur?
Weekend nights and holidays (particularly the festive season) have been identified as the peak times for the occurrence of road accidents.
What is causing an influx in road accidents?
- Disregarding road rules (Speeding, Dangerous overtaking)
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Poor urban driving conditions
- The increase in vehicle population
- Driving without a license
- Poor post-crash response services
What measures have been put in place to limit the occurrence of road accidents?
- Setting speed limits for public transport
- Collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the media to raise awareness on traffic safety
- Operationalising the Road Accident Fund
Conclusion
Statistics from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe show that close to six accidents are recorded every hour countrywide.