Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
TRANSPORT operators have been urged to desist from setting unreasonable targets which are exerting unnecessary pressure on drivers, leading to an increase in road traffic accidents.
With statistics indicating that 94 percent of road accidents are due to human error, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has implored transport operators to shun unreasonable daily targets for drivers as they end up defying road rules and regulations.
“We urge transport operators to avoid giving hard targets. When you do an analysis of the accidents, particularly during this festive season, they are a result of speeding, and we believe they are a result of targets given to drivers that forces the driver to go beyond their limits. Our appeal to operators is to avoid giving those targets, they are not helpful, they endanger passengers,” said TSCZ’s managing director, Mr Munesu Munodawafa.
Acknowledging the risk associated with high daily targets, local transport operators highlighted measures put in place to curb road carnage during the crossover into the New Year.
“We have a team which engages even the passengers on board because they spend more time with the drivers than us. We urge them to report to us whenever they feel like their lives are in danger and we take action,” said transport operator, Dr Afra Nhanhanga.
Another operator, Mr Larger Mtelela added, “We are training and conscientising our drivers the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. A lot of drivers are going on the road intoxicated and this should stop. Breathalysers should be available on the road in order to bring culprits to book.”
Harare Youth Transporters Association’s Chairperson, Mr Edmore Gwengwe said, “As an association for transport operators, we do not set targets for our drivers, but those who operate illegally are the ones who pressurise their drivers to honour unreasonable daily targets which eventually leads to loss of lives.”
At least 77 people died, while 401 were injured in road traffic accidents between the 15th and 26th of this month.
