In the Driver’s Seat

Driver education is of paramount importance in saving lives. The United Nations Road Safety reviewed and warned that Zimbabwe’s annual crash death rate is expected to triple in the next ten years if no action is taken in education of drivers. Zimbabwe has recorded countless road accidents caused by unlicensed drivers. This shows that the high accident fatalities are caused by the lack of proper driver training. Driver education is important as it helps a driver avoid perilous driving and make calculated decisions when negotiating their way in traffic. It is a common saying on the Zimbabwean roads that ‘’When you are on the road, assume every driver’s mad or crazy’’. Although it’s meant to make you drive cautiously, this statement reflects on the reckless driving of people on the roads. Drivers who have been trained are likely to be able to safely manoeuvre through uncontrolled traffic intersections without causing harm to other road users.

Reducing the number of road fatalities requires a collective effort on the community and governing body’s part. Creating safe infrastructure is the first step that authorities can take to protect their citizens from road carnage. According to the Zimbabwean Car market study, Zimbabwe has become a dumping ground for cheap used cars. Consequently, the number of vehicles on the road has increased. Creating more routes and expanding the capacity of a route would help reduce traffic congestion and accidents. In addition to expanding roads, an efficient public transport system needs to be urgently considered to aid the already existing NRZ train which is not able to transport everyone who needs to commute daily. The leading cause of accidents remains human error. On most roads, you will find drivers texting, whilst trying to negotiate their way through traffic. These distractions can be avoided if drivers avoid using phones whilst driving or resort to Bluetooth automatic cell phone connections. To prevent driving while intoxicated, drivers should call an ‘Uber’ if feeling sleepy or drunk. Vehicle owners should drive well maintained and serviced vehicles and observe all road speed limits. Moreover city authorities should impose speed limit fines and fine heavy vehicles which enter restricted weight and height roads which usually endangers little children and animals. These changes could significantly decrease the occurrence of road accidents.

I have witnessed a number of dangerous road incidents like the time a lorry’s wheel popped out and crashed into a small vehicle. This shows that the driver had not properly checked if his vehicle was fit for driving before he ventured on the road. Another example is when I was driving with my mother. We had decided to overtake, and the driver of the car we were meant to overtake decided to speed up. This not only posed danger to us as we were heading towards oncoming traffic but to the other driver as well. As I have driven in Zimbabwe, I have observed on countless occasions, drivers engaging in deep conversations with other drivers in moving traffic. This distracts the driver from paying full attention on the road, makes them miss an instruction from road traffic police or traffic lights and causes congestion. Most of all I have seen impatient drivers crossing a red light on a traffic light controlled intersection.

To be a better driver, I must first start by educating myself on the importance of road safe measures. I must ensure that my vehicle is in good condition before going anywhere. To make the roads a safer place I must make sure to pay the taxes that aid in road maintenance. In addition to this I should take part in first aid training so that if I am in an accident or to come across one my first reaction is not to take videos to post on social media but to attend to those involved in order to avoid fatalities. As someone who is just making their way into the adult community I learn from my community elders and will join hands with the upcoming generation of drivers to lobby for better road infrastructures, improvement of driver courses and reviewing of fines levied for bad driving. I see the end of road carnage as a collective effort so the best is for everyone who uses the road daily as a pedestrian, cyclist, passenger and driver to exercise extreme caution on the road.

Thorough education and training programs will have a positive impact on the citizens. Furthermore, the commitment of the citizens in following the road laws and practicing safe driving will help create a safer environment for all Zimbabwean citizens.