ZRP Issues Urgent Safety Appeal as Easter Holiday Travel Peaks

 

By Dex

HARARE — As thousands of travelers prepare to head home following the conclusion of the Easter Holiday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a ste

 advisory, urging motorists and passengers alike to prioritize road safety, specifically regarding the boarding and disembarking of vehicles.

With traffic volumes expected to surge on major highways today, police authorities are highlighting a critical safety gap: the dangerous practice of stopping vehicles in undesignated areas.

In a statement released this afternoon, the ZRP emphasized that while the holiday period is coming to a close, the risk of road accidents remains high. Law enforcement officials noted a worrying trend of motorists allowing passengers to disembark at hazardous locations along the road, rather than at established bus stops or official ranks.

The ZRP is imploring all drivers to stop exclusively at designated bus stops or recognized ranks.

Stopping along the road without due consideration for safety is a primary contributor to avoidable accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians who are struck after exiting stationary vehicles

The X handle of the ZRP reads:

> As the Easter Holiday draws to a close, the ZRP urges Zimbabweans to be safety conscious and alert while disembarking from vehicles on the roads for one reason or the other. Drivers are implored to stop at designated bus stops or ranks to allow passengers to get relief or assistance if requested to do so and make sure they do not stop along the roads, without giving due consideration to safety. This will assist to prioritize the safety of passengers and curb road accidents where pedestrians are struck by motorists after disembarking from stationery vehicles.

The ZRP is calling on public service vehicle operators and private motorists to:

✅Use Designated Zones: Ensure all stops are made at authorized bus stops or safe, off-road locations.

✅Remain Vigilant: Drivers should remain alert for pedestrians crossing the road, especially in the vicinity of public transport drop-off points.

✅ Provide Assistance: Should passengers request relief or assistance, drivers are urged to wait until they have reached a safe, marked area before pulling over.

✅Curbing Road Incidents

The statistics indicate that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users during high-traffic periods. By strictly adhering to road traffic regulations and avoiding "illegal" stops on the shoulder of the road. It is believed that the number of accidents involving passengers disembarking from stationary vehicles can be significantly reduced.

As the country navigates the final hours of the holiday, it is warned that the law enforcement agents will be out in full force, monitoring major routes to enforce traffic laws and ensure that all travelers reach their destinations safely.

The safety of our citizens is paramount. We urge all road users to exercise caution, patience, and strict adherence to the rules of the road as they return home.

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*Together we can fight crime*

*Crime Prevention is a Community Commitment*

*_____dex____*