After the Seke Road disaster killed 17 people and with road deaths up 4.9% this year, Zimbabwe is rolling out high-tech surveillance, stricter driver training, and police crackdowns to halt the carnage.
The Grim Stats (2025 So Far)
– 28,159 accidents (up from 25,968 in 2024).
– 1,088 deaths—11% more fatal crashes than last year.
– 94% caused by human error: Speeding, reckless overtaking, illegal turns.
– Just 0.1% blamed on bad roads.
Government’s 6-Point Safety Plan
1. AI Traffic Cameras: Number plate + facial recognition to catch speeders.
2. Driving School Reforms: Standardized training to weed out “fake” drivers.
3. Stricter Vehicle Checks: Crackdown on unroadworthy cars & corruption in inspections.
4. Police Upgrades: More patrols, faster response to accidents.
5. New Laws: Harsher penalties for reckless driving.
6. Emergency Boost: Civil Protection Unit equipped for mass crashes.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said:
“We’re using tech, training, and tough laws to save lives—no more excuses.”
The Real Problem?
While the govt blames **“human error”, critics ask:
– Are corrupt licenses & lax enforcement enabling bad drivers?
– Will poor road markings & potholes keep causing crashes?
What’s Next?
– Track progress: ZRP to publish monthly accident reports.
– Public campaign: “Arrive Alive” ads targeting speeding drivers.