PAZ Applauds Govt’s Crackdown on Drunk Driving, Calls Breathalysers a ‘Game-Changer’
By Loyd Matare
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has welcomed the government’s move to introduce breathalysers at roadblocks, calling it a critical measure in tackling reckless driving and curbing the surge in fatal road accidents.
This follows the recent announcement by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development that it is procuring breathalysers to address the growing number of crashes linked to drunk driving.
In this regard, Transport Minister Felix Mhona stressed that strict enforcement, driver education, and improved infrastructure are key to fostering a culture of road safety.
Minister Mhona also highlighted that Zimbabwe has strong traffic laws, with penalties that include fines, license suspensions, and even jail terms for offenders.
However, enforcement gaps have allowed dangerous driving habits to persist—but the introduction of breathalysers is expected to strengthen police efforts in detecting and penalizing drunk drivers.
In a statement, PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati welcomed the initiative, stressing that stricter enforcement could save lives.
“The statistics are shocking—over 2,000 people lost their lives in road accidents last year. This is unacceptable.
“The government’s move to introduce breathalysers is a bold step toward making our roads safer,” said Goliati.
Goliati also urged the public to take responsibility by reporting reckless driving and adhering to traffic regulations.
“Road safety is non-negotiable. We commend Minister Mhona for prioritizing this issue and responding to our calls for tighter measures. But this is just the beginning.
“We need continuous education, stricter licensing, and more safety measures such as speed limiters to further curb road carnage,” he added.
Zimbabwe’s road safety crisis has been starkly highlighted in comparison to countries like Britain, where strict enforcement has drastically reduced fatalities.
While Britain, with four times Zimbabwe’s population and a far higher number of vehicles, recorded 1,624 road deaths in 2023, Zimbabwe had 2,099 fatalities.
With the Easter holiday approaching, a period notorious for increased road accidents, authorities hope the introduction of breathalysers will serve as a deterrent, ensuring that all drivers are in full control before getting behind the wheel.
PAZ reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and stakeholders to push for safer roads.
“Every life matters. We will continue to advocate for policies that put safety first. The introduction of breathalysers is a victory, but there is still much more to be done,” said Goliati.
