HARARE – Road traffic accidents have become the third leading cause of death in Zimbabwe after HIV and Aids and tuberculosis, according to a new report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development. The committee issued the warning amid a sharp rise in crashes recorded nationwide this year.
Citing statistics from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), the committee reported that accidents surged in the first quarter of 2025.
“In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 15,263 accidents were recorded, marking a 15% increase from the 13,317 cases reported during the same period in 2024,” the report noted.
The situation worsened during the Easter and Independence holidays, where 384 accidents were recorded compared to 286 in the previous year — a 34% rise. While fatal accidents slightly declined, injuries increased from 159 to 178.
ZRP also reported a concerning 1,824 hit-and-run cases recorded in the same period.
According to the committee, Zimbabwe continues to lose over 2,000 people each year to road traffic accidents, while more than 30,000 are injured, many left with permanent disabilities.
Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is also severe.
“The economic costs, including healthcare expenditure, loss of productivity, vehicle damage and infrastructure repair, are estimated to be 3% of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product annually,” the report stated.
Human error remains the dominant cause of accidents, accounting for more than 85% of cases. Common factors include reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, speeding and drunk driving. Transport operators told the committee that passenger transport drivers often violate safety rules due to pressure to meet stringent daily quotas.
Police highlighted growing concerns over distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones, which significantly increases the risk of collisions.
The Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) further reported that fatigue among long-distance drivers reduces concentration and leads to poor decision-making. The committee also raised red flags over weak enforcement and corruption at VID and ZRP checkpoints, which allow unroadworthy vehicles onto the roads.
“The common practice of negotiating and accepting bribes completely negates the deterrent effect. It fosters a culture where offences can be overlooked and encourage repeat behaviour,” the committee warned.
Lawmakers also criticised police high-speed pursuits of commuter omnibuses, saying such tactics endanger other motorists and pedestrians.
The report calls for urgent reforms, stronger enforcement and a national road safety overhaul to curb what has become one of Zimbabwe’s most persistent public health and economic challenges.
