THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has initiated a road safety campaign aimed at encouraging responsible driving habits and minimising the risk of road accidents during the Heroes and Zimbabwe Defence Forces holidays.

Public holidays are usually characterised by a spike in road traffic accidents, hence the ZRP is taking a proactive approach to reduce carnage through a road safety campaign in Bulawayo which has been welcomed by motorists.

“This campaign is important because lately, there have been a lot of accidents, and as motorists, we should be aware of what is going on and help each other so that we can lessen the road accidents,” a motorist said.

“Through this campaign, we can increase awareness and subsequently decrease the number of road accidents,” another added.

Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer Commanding Bulawayo, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, warned errant drivers, saying those found on the wrong side of the law will face the music.

“We have realised that over the years, during this period when schools are closing and we have the Heroes and the Defence Forces holiday, people travel on the roads and some tend to ignore the traffic rules and regulations by speeding, overtaking errors, drinking whilst driving and general carelessness on the road. PSV vehicles tend to overload, and we want to remind them that their passenger today is again their client tomorrow, so they should drive safely.”

The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s road safety campaign is expected to serve as a timely reminder for motorists to prioritise safety during public holidays.