By Ziyah News Network Reporter
A recent global survey by Scrap Car Comparison, a UK-based guide website, has identified Zimbabwe as the third scariest country to drive in. The ranking was part of a global assessment that evaluated the nervousness of drivers on the roads of various countries, placing Zimbabwe just below Venezuela and India.
In the study, which surveyed over 2,000 motorists worldwide, participants were asked to rate how anxious they would feel driving in specific countries. Zimbabwe received a score of 6.9 out of 10, landing it third on the list. Venezuela came in second with a score of 6.97, while India topped the rankings with a score of 7.15.
“We also wanted to help drivers around the world stay safe on the roads,” Scrap Car Comparison explained in its report.
The survey cited Zimbabwe’s poorly maintained rural roads as a significant contributing factor to its high score. Although Zimbabwe’s urban roads received some praise for being relatively well-maintained, the situation in rural areas presents significant challenges for drivers.
“Roads in Zimbabwe are generally kept in good condition, particularly in big cities, however, roads in rural areas are less well maintained,” noted the report.
Additionally, the frequent fuel shortages in the country were highlighted as another source of concern for drivers.
“Fuel shortages are also relatively common in the country, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and carry extra fuel, particularly when driving long distances through remote areas,” reads the report.
“Traffic police checkpoints are also frequent, meaning drivers will need to have up-to-date vehicle documentation on them at all times.”
This ranking raises awareness about the driving conditions in Zimbabwe and underscores the importance of road safety for both local and visiting motorists.
Meanwhile, Proton Bakers is facing backlash after donating empty drums to the Bulawayo police traffic section. The bakery company provided 11 empty drums intended for use at roadblocks, a gesture that has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism from Zimbabweans.
The donation was met with disappointment and frustration, as many individuals expressed that it was not an appropriate or effective contribution. Critics argued that Zimbabwe should be utilizing more modern traffic stop signs, such as cones, rather than outdated and empty drums.
Social media users voiced their discontent, with one commenting, “Don’t do this again @ProtonBakers & @PoliceZimbabwe, this is embarrassing. You do not need photo opp for such donations; they are empty drums for crying out loud. Both of you behave!”
This response reflects a broader sentiment among netizens, who believe that the donation was not only inadequate but also an embarrassing representation of community support.