Africa University driver, Mr Jacob Mangwende and the Mutare Bottling Company driver, Mr Biggy Kavhukatema scooped first prizes in the Traffic Safety of Zimbabwe driver of the year competitions held at the weekend.
The two drivers, who competed in the bus and articulated vehicle driving competitions, walked away with $1 000 and a shield respectively.
In the seven-tonne rigid driving, Mr Steven Dzidzai from Mbada Diamonds took home the first prize of $1 000, while the Mutare City Council drivers, Mr Blessing Mavhuna and Mr Kenneth Dzumbire settled for second and third position, winning $600 and $400 respectively.
The annual competition, which was jointly sponsored by TSCZ and TelOne drew 21 professional drivers from six organisations in Manicaland.
The drivers underwent theoretical and practical tests, which included written examinations, driving drills, and a road test facilitated by the Vehicle Inspection Department.
Speaking at the occasion, the TSCZ managing director, Mr Obio Chinyere, bemoaned the increase in road carnage due to reckless driving by professional drivers.
Mr Chinyere said although the country’s highways need an upgrade, statistics reveal that 85 percent of the road accidents were due to negligent driving.
“Zimbabwe’s road traffic accidents continue to maim and claim lives everyday with no remedy in sight. However, 85 percent of the accidents in the country are due to negligent driving and little to do with issues concerning poor road infrastructures.
“Most public transport drivers are notorious for not complying with road regulations, but today I want to implore you that before breaking road regulations as professional drivers, please stop to think of the consequences and human lives you will be carrying.
“The Masvingo, Mega-Link bus accident that happened this year is an example of an avoidable horrific accident, where precious lives were lost.
“Some children are now destitute and orphans after that accident, while some families lost breadwinners. Please let us take the matter of road safety seriously every time and also bear in mind that traffic safety is a job for everyone,” said Mr Chinyere.
The director of operations research and marketing, Mr Proctor Utete, said the aim of the competition was to improve the knowledge and skills of professional drivers as well as to change their attitudes on issues concerning traffic safety.
“Promoting safe driving among professional drivers is the aim of these competitions. Manicaland is the last province as we have already held the regional competitions for Matebeleland, Midlands, Mashonaland and Masvingo.
“This year from August 7-11, for the first time ever, Africa will host the international driver of the year competitions in Rustenburg, South Africa.
“This will also be the first time for Zimbabwe to take part in the international competitions. We will, however, use the 2011 winner as the participants and from Manicaland there will be two representatives,” said Mr Utete.
The TSCZ Manicaland manager, Mrs Georgina Mateta urged all organisations to participate in the competitions as a refresher course for their drivers.
“The professional drivers that attend these competitions will tell you that they are good refresher courses, especially the theoretical part. I urge all companies to take part in these competitions.
“This is one of the many ways that organisations can play their part to help reduce road carnages by our professional drivers,” said Mrs Mateta.