By Staff Reporter
Transport Minister Honourable Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona is urging all motorists to prioritize road safety as schools reopen, following a tragic holiday season that saw 100 lives lost and 471 others injured in road traffic accidents.
The country’s best performing Minister emphasized that ensuring safety on the roads is not only a legal responsibility but a moral imperative.
He called on all drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition, take adequate rest before embarking on long trips, and avoid reckless driving behaviors that put everyone at risk.
“Thousands of children will be traveling to and from school every day. Their safety is in the hands of every motorist,” Minister Mhona said, adding that vigilance and responsibility on the roads are essential for protecting the most vulnerable, especially schoolchildren.
The recent festive season saw a tragic spike in accidents. Between December 15 and December 26, 2025, Zimbabwe lost 100 lives and recorded 471 injuries due to road crashes. Minister Mhona pointed out that many of these accidents were entirely preventable, caused by factors like unroadworthy vehicles, excessive speeding, driver fatigue, and even the dangerous practice of attempting to cross flooded rivers.
“Every life lost is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” Mhona stated. “That’s why it’s vital for drivers to make sure their vehicles are well-maintained and roadworthy. Rest is equally important—fatigued drivers are a danger to themselves and others. We must avoid dangerous decisions like speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol.”
In his statement, Mhona also reminded motorists that speed limits exist for a reason: to save lives. “Speeding is not a demonstration of driving skill; it’s a recipe for disaster,” he stressed. He also warned that driving under the influence of alcohol or overloading vehicles would not be tolerated, and offenders would face prosecution.
“Road safety is a moral duty,” Mhona reiterated. “Every motorist has a responsibility to ensure that children safely reach their schools and that all travelers return home safely at the end of the day. By obeying traffic laws and driving with care, we can make this school term accident-free.” To bolster these safety efforts, Minister Mhona announced a stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department, Road Motor Transportation, and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.
