Published: 6 hours ago

Zimbabwe has witnessed a 20% rise in road traffic accidents during the second quarter of 2025, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), prompting renewed calls for motorists to exercise caution on the country's roads.

In the period under review, the country recorded 15 350 road traffic accidents, resulting in 492 fatalities and 2 926 injuries. This marks a significant increase from the 12 808 accidents and 378 fatalities reported in the first quarter of the year.

"Road traffic accidents increased by 19.8% during the second quarter of 2025 as compared to the first quarter of 2025. Of the 15 350 accidents reported, 492 were fatal. Quarter-on-quarter comparison shows a 30.2% increase in fatal accidents," said Kureva Mukoki, ZimStat's Services Statistics Manager.

The report also highlighted a rise in vehicle registrations, with 21 128 vehicles registered for the first time, a 15.2% increase from the previous quarter. Light motor vehicle registrations alone increased 18.1%, from 13 631 to 16 095.

ZimStat further reported on driver competency, noting that of the 54 453 candidates who took the certificate of competence test during the second quarter, only 52.9% passed. Pass rates varied across provinces, with Mashonaland East (67.6%), Harare (66.3%), and Manicaland (50.1%) recording the highest success rates, while other provinces fell below 50%.

The statistics underscore ongoing road safety challenges in Zimbabwe, with experts urging drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize safe driving to curb the growing trend of accidents and fatalities.
- NewsDay

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