The Mashonaland driver of the year competition returned with a bang after a four year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hosted by the Traffic Safety council (TSC) at the giant National Sports Stadium the competition two weeks ago the event attracted drivers of various categories who took time to showcase their skills on the road.
The Managing Director of the Traffic Safety Council, Mr M Munodawafa in a speech read by the Acting Director of Operation of Traffic Safety of Zimbabwe Mr C Muzuva on his behalf informed the nation that the competition is an important way to create awareness about road safety and crash prevention.
Acting Director of Operation of Traffic Safety of Zimbabwe Mr C Muzuva
“The rationale behind DOTY competitions is to enhance and improve the driving skills of rigid, articulated truck and bus drivers in order to prevent and reduce crashes on the road”, said Mr Munodawafa.
The competition also acts as a reminder to the business community to invest in advanced driver training methods.
The initiative to revive the DOTY competition dove tails with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) which seeks to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities by 25% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
Mr Munodawafa expressed concern with a number of factors contributing to road fatalities across the country. The factors include; abuse of alcohol, negligence, speeding, cellphone use while driving, stray animals, fatigue, vehicle fitness and dangerous overtaking among others.
The public was advised against night driving.
The nation was implored to collectively work towards road safety.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility. It is equally through collective effort that we can force a change in our behaviour on the road”, said Mr Munodawafa.
The winners of the categories were as follows:
Bus Category
- Nobert Chatikobo
- Machera
- M Chirenda
Articulated Category
- Charles Karimunhenga
- Tinashe Samanyahwe
- Suspension Salimu
Rigid Category
- Terrence Chapeta
- Michael Mavhura
- Suspension Salimu
