PAZ Urges Drivers to Avoid Drunk Driving as Schools Reopen

By Tendai Chisiri

HARARE – The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called on drivers and parents transporting children to schools to exercise caution on the roads, warning against speeding, drunk driving and reckless behaviour.

In a statement, Tafadzwa Goliati National Coordinator said drivers should “give yourself enough time to drive safely and reach your destination without incident,” stressing that “children are the future leaders.”

The call comes as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with high levels of road carnage, much of it linked to human error and alcohol impairment.

According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the country recorded 52,288 road crashes in 2024, resulting in 2,015 fatalities and more than 10,000 injuries. Human error, including reckless driving, speeding and alcohol impairment, remains the leading cause.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has previously said at least 1,000 people die annually and 3,000 are injured in alcohol-related traffic accidents in Zimbabwe. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe also reports that on average more than 2,000 people die annually, with over 30,000 injured.

The first quarter of 2025 saw 15,263 accidents, a 15% increase from the same period in 2024. During the 2025 festive season alone, 2,412 accidents were recorded, killing 100 people.


Worldwide, alcohol is a major factor in road deaths. The WHO estimates that between 5% and 35% of global road deaths are alcohol-related. In low and middle-income countries, studies show between 33% and 69% of fatally injured drivers had consumed alcohol before their crash.

In response, government has deployed over 100 breathalysers to police nationwide to crack down on drunk driving. Under Zimbabwe’s Road Traffic Act, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 80mg or more per 100ml of blood is an offence punishable by fines, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Penalties are harsher for commuter omnibus and heavy-vehicle drivers.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said the country loses about US$406 million annually—around 3% of GDP—from an average of 40,000 road traffic accidents per year.



PAZ urged drivers to avoid speeding and drunk driving, and to plan journeys to allow enough time for safe travel. The association said protecting children on the roads is a collective responsibility.

For reports or assistance, PAZ can be contacted via WhatsApp on +263 773 239 688.