Zimbabwe records some of the world’s most dangerous roads, with an average of five people killed and nearly 40 injured in traffic crashes every day, according to national road safety data. Authorities now say the scale of the crisis has forced a rethink of how drivers are trained, licensed and policed. For Tafara Muvhevhi, a driving instructor with 16 years’ experience, teaching has shifted from helping students pass exams to preparing them to survive increasingly chaotic roads. Road crashes are among Zimbabwe’s leading causes of death, with the Traffic Safety Council reporting a collision every 15 minutes nationwide.
Once known for orderly roads, Zimbabwe’s traffic conditions deteriorated sharply from the 2000s as economic decline stalled road maintenance, informal transport expanded and enforcement weakened. While resurfacing works and traffic patrols have increased in recent years, dangerous driving remains widespread. The World Health Organization estimates Zimbabwe’s road fatality rate at nearly 30 deaths per 100,000 people, one of the highest in Africa. Authorities say human error is responsible for about 94% of crashes, with speeding, reckless overtaking, overloading and mobile phone use among the main causes.
Minibus taxis routinely ignore traffic rules, vehicles are often overloaded far beyond capacity, and pedestrians frequently share roads with little protection. Festive periods are especially deadly, though accidents occur daily across urban and rural areas. In response, the government has introduced tougher enforcement measures, including the use of breathalysers and body cameras by traffic police, and is reviewing driver licensing rules. Proposed reforms include a penalty points system for offenders and updated driver training focused on road safety rather than test preparation alone. Officials say sustained enforcement, better training and safer road infrastructure will be critical if Zimbabwe is to reverse a trend that continues to claim thousands of lives each year.
