The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) said recently it had noted, with alarm, a growing trend in which motorists in Harare disregarded zebra crossings, resulting in accidents in which pedestrians are injured.
Motorists are required to give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings, but often the motoring requirement is disregarded, resulting in accidents.
In an interview, TSCZ media corporate communications officer, Lucy Kuwandira said violation of traffic rules was becoming rampant in Harare, especially by private commuter buses.
Only two weeks ago, the government suspended the operating licences of two transport companies after their buses were filmed engaged in a risky road race in which one person died, and 23 others were injured.
“Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has noted with concern a number of drivers who do not give precedence to pedestrians at pedestrian crossing points,” Kuwandira said.
“It is important for motorists to obey the rules of the road which entail that a driver should stop at a pedestrian crossing to give way to pedestrians.”
TSCZ often engages in road safety educational campaigns, but these always fall on deaf ears, especially where commuter bus drivers are concerned.
The Ministry of Transport has vowed to take stern measures, including revoking driving and operating licences for drivers and companies, found in gross violation of traffic rules. — New Ziana
