Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) is set to launch a road safety campaign at Africa Unity Square this Wednesday morning.

Running under the theme: ‘Save lives, save money, save property, it’s time to act! Zimbabwe says no to road accidents,’ the launch is held in partnership with various stakeholders. These include City of Harare, Road Safe Zimbabwe, Doves, Amtec, Toyota Zimbabwe, Driving Schools Association, Greater Harare Commuter Omnibus Operators Association (GHACO) and Emras.

TSCZ marketing officer and launch committee chairperson Tatenda Chinoda explains, “People will march from TSCZ headquarters on Jason Moyo Avenue, head into Chinhoyi Street, then Robert Mugabe Road to Fourth Street before finally stopping at Africa Unity Square.” He said the attendees will be addressed on road safety before some live performances by local artists. “We expect up to 1000 to attend this function,” said Chinoda.

The march is meant to raise awareness on road safety issues. It will be led by traffic officials, the police and school students while members of the public are encouraged to join. Road Safe Zimbabwe coordinator Sam Nyaude said, “We believe every life lost is one life too many so we want to prevent road accidents.” He said the loss of life due to road accidents is one of many negatives. “There is emotional suffering, financial strains and injuries among many other things that affect us after accidents,” said Nyaude.

In 2011 United Nations indicated that if nothing is to be done about road safety, accidents will lead among the death causes of young people. It is with this notion that TSCZ and its stakeholders hold periodic campaigns especially towards holidays. Nyaude said, “Holidays in general involves a lot of travelling.” He added that the oncoming Easter Holiday which this year is combined with the country’s independence celebrations will have a lot of church groups travelling for gatherings.