As Zimbabweans gear up for Christmas and New Year celebrations, authorities have issued a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless driving, particularly when alcohol is involved. In Harare, images circulating on social media show several police emergency coffins being cleaned and prepared at the backyard of an undisclosed police station. These coffins, used to transport bodies from road traffic accidents, murder scenes, and other sudden-death incidents, serve as a chilling symbol of the human cost of carelessness on the roads.
While the sight may seem routine to police officers accustomed to tragedy, it carries a stark warning to the public: the festive season, often associated with celebration, travel, and family reunions, also brings a significant rise in fatal accidents.
Police officers explained that cleaning and preparing the coffins is part of routine preparedness ahead of the holiday period, when road carnage traditionally spikes. Causes of accidents range from speeding, drunk driving, fatigue, and overloaded vehicles, to poorly maintained cars and buses.
“We see the worst of it during holidays,” said one officer who requested anonymity. “People drink, drive long distances, overload vehicles, and ignore basic road rules. These coffins are used almost daily during peak periods.”
Statistics from previous festive seasons confirm that alcohol remains one of the leading contributors to road fatalities. Many victims are pedestrians, passengers, and innocent motorists caught in accidents caused by reckless behaviour.
Police Issue Stark Warning on Festive Road Safety as Coffins Prepared for Holiday Surge
The images of the coffins have sparked discussions online, with many social media users describing them as a “silent warning” to anyone contemplating drink-driving or careless behaviour over the holidays.
Police are urging motorists to take proactive steps to ensure road safety. Among the recommendations:
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Designate sober drivers when planning to drink.
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Use public transport whenever possible, particularly for long journeys.
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Rest adequately before and during trips to avoid fatigue.
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Strictly adhere to traffic laws, including speed limits and vehicle load regulations.
“These simple measures can prevent countless tragedies,” the officer said. “This festive season, the best way to avoid ending up in one of these coffins is simple: don’t drink and drive.”
Authorities emphasize that planning ahead is key. Many accidents could be avoided if motorists took responsibility for their own safety and that of others on the road.
To reinforce the message, police have promised heightened road safety measures throughout the festive season. These include:
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Roadblocks at key junctions and high-risk areas.
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Increased patrols along highways and in urban centres.
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Alcohol testing to detect and deter impaired drivers.
Officials stress that these measures are not punitive but protective, aimed at saving lives and reducing preventable deaths during a period when roads are busiest.
The images of cleaned and ready coffins are more than just a procedural display; they are a visual reminder of mortality and the consequences of carelessness. Families planning reunions and festive activities are urged to consider the devastating impact of one poor decision behind the wheel.
“Each of these coffins represents a life lost, often avoidably,” the officer said. “One reckless choice can turn joy into lifelong grief for entire families. We urge all Zimbabweans to value life, exercise patience, and prioritise safety.”
The police appeal comes at a time when many Zimbabweans will be traveling long distances to visit relatives, increasing the risk of accidents. Authorities are keen to ensure that celebrations do not come at the cost of human life.
The underlying message of the police warning is clear: responsibility on the road saves lives. While festive cheer is a time for enjoyment, alcohol, fatigue, and speeding remain lethal combinations. By heeding the advice of traffic authorities, motorists can ensure that the holiday season is remembered for happiness and family, not tragedy.
As Zimbabweans prepare to celebrate, police urge them to plan ahead, drive carefully, and prioritise safety, reiterating that one careless decision can have irreversible consequences.
“This festive season, return home safely,” the officer concluded. “Respect traffic laws, avoid drinking and driving, and look out for each other. Life is precious — don’t gamble with it.”
Source- ZimEye
