The Government is increasing its procurement of breathalysers for use at roadblocks in an effort to tackle the growing number of accidents linked to reckless and drunk driving, according to a Cabinet Minister.
A breathalyser is a device used to measure the alcohol content in a person’s breath, enabling law enforcement officers to assess whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol.
When a person exhales into the device, it estimates their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) based on the alcohol detected in their breath.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by David Jana at the 9th Road Safety Journalistic Awards ceremony in Harare last week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said that increasing the use of breathalysers is a key strategy to address the rising number of accidents caused by impaired driving. He said:
<blockquote>
I would also want to advise you that the Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), is procuring breathalysers to use at roadblocks to combat the rising number of accidents caused by impaired driving.
These devices will be used at police roadblocks as part of an intensified road safety mechanism to curb reckless and drunk driving. May it be noted that more breathalysers are being procured to ensure these measures are widely implemented.
I urge you all to actively support these efforts by reporting reckless driving and following traffic regulations. We must also take responsibility as citizens. If you witness dangerous behaviour on the roads, report it immediately.
</blockquote>
Mhona said the road traffic accident statistics for 2023 and 2024 paint a concerning picture of road safety in Zimbabwe.
In 2023, there were 2,099 fatalities and 9,955 injuries resulting from 51,924 recorded road accidents. 
In 2024, the numbers were slightly lower, with 2,015 deaths and 10,074 injuries from 52,288 accidents.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-procures-breathalysers-to-use-at-roadblocks/">The Herald</a>

Pindula News

The government is buying more breathalysers to catch people who drive recklessly or drunk. These devices check how much alcohol is in a person's breath to see if they are drunk. The Transport Minister says using more breathalysers will help reduce the number of accidents caused by drunk driving. He also asks people to report bad driving and follow traffic rules. The Minister is worried about the high number of deaths and injuries from road accidents in Zimbabwe in 2023 and 2024. More breathalysers will be used at police roadblocks to make the roads safer.

Government to Procure More Breathalysers To  Combat Reckless Driving, Says Transport Minister

Police have urged bus drivers to refrain from drinking and driving and encouraged travellers to report cases of reckless driving and overloading during this festive season.
Speaking to the media after a campaign to promote holiday safety and security at Mbare Bus Terminus, Zimbabwe’s largest long-distance bus rank, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, officer commanding Harare Province, said police officers have been deployed in full force on highways across the country. Said Chikunguru:
<blockquote>
Bus drivers must practice safe driving and avoid overspeeding and drinking on the road, as these are the leading causes of accidents.
We are also urging passengers to report reckless drivers. We have deployed police officers at roadblocks, tollgates, and various points to monitor and ensure safe travel during this festive season.
Passengers have the right to report drivers who commit any of these offences to the police. This will help prevent accidents and ensure safety for everyone.
</blockquote>
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), a road accident occurs approximately every 15 minutes in the country.
Most of the accidents are attributed to reckless driving, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and use of defective vehicles, among other factors.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police in Zimbabwe are telling bus drivers not to drink and drive during the festive season. They are also asking passengers to report any dangerous driving they see. The police are working hard to keep the roads safe. They want drivers to follow the rules and for passengers to help by reporting bad behavior. The Traffic Safety Council says there are a lot of accidents in Zimbabwe because of reckless driving. Everyone needs to work together to stay safe on the roads.

Police Urge Travellers To Report Reckless Driving During Festive Season

Mzansi Express has suspended the driver of one of its buses which was captured on the widely circulated video while dangerously overtaking a haulage truck recently.
The bus almost sideswiped the haulage truck, which was carrying highly flammable gas, while trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming car.
In a statement on Wednesday, 10 January, Mzansi Express management said it regretted the unfortunate incident and apologised to all those who were affected. It said:
<blockquote>
We at Mzansi Express regret this unfortunate situation and apologise to all those who were affected by the incident, including our valued clients.
We can confirm that the responsible driver has been suspended pending a thorough investigation to ascertain exactly what transpired.
</blockquote>
Early this week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona issued a statement directing that the driver of the bus be prosecuted.
Mhona said the video shows traffic law violations and actions that breach Sections 51, 52, and 53 of the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 13:11), which prohibit driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for others, negligent or dangerous driving and reckless driving.
This week, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said 97 people died and 424 were injured in road traffic accidents between 15 and 26 December last year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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