Staff writer/ press release
During the 2025/26 festive season, when traffic volumes and accident risks traditionally surge, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) implemented a targeted highway emergency response initiative that demonstrated how coordinated, multi-stakeholder action can save lives and strengthen public confidence.
The initiative saw the deployment of ambulances along major national highway hot spots, supported by the ICZ 591 Helpdesk operating on a 24-hour basis. Members of the public were encouraged to report road traffic accidents through radio, television, and social media campaigns, ensuring that emergency assistance could be activated as quickly as possible.
According to ZRP official statistics, approximately 2,412 road traffic accidents were recorded nationally during the review period with 87 fatal accidents, 100 deaths and 471 injuries. While this figure highlights the scale of the country’s road safety challenge, it also underscores the importance of initiatives that enhance response times and coordination at the point of need. Through the 591 Helpdesk, 226 verified incidents were actively coordinated, with every logged case successfully resolved.
Analysis of the call centre data reveals that accident reports and emergency calls peaked in the late afternoon and evening hours, particularly between 4pm and 9pm, coinciding with high traffic flows and festive travel. By maintaining a continuous 24-hour operation, the Helpdesk which was set up 9 months ago ensured that assistance remained available even during off-peak hours, when response capacity is often stretched.
A key strength of the initiative was the partnership with Highway Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Discovery (deployed by the Traffic Safety Council during the period) and other ambulance providers, which enabled faster dispatch and improved coverage along critical transport corridors. In several documented cases, emergency teams reached accident scenes within minutes, stabilising victims and facilitating onward transfer to medical facilities. Such responsiveness is widely recognised as a decisive factor in reducing fatalities and the severity of injuries aligned to the Golden Hour standard
Beyond direct emergency care, the initiative witnessed the use of service by some callers to report reckless driving, allowing preventative action and, in certain cases, the avoidance of potentially serious accidents.
As with any pilot intervention operating within a complex national environment, challenges were encountered. These included public misconceptions about the scope of the service, and logistical constraints when incidents occurred far from established ambulance bases. Importantly, these experiences have provided valuable insights into how emergency response systems can be strengthened through better coordination, targeted awareness campaigns, and the strategic use of technology.
Looking ahead, the ICZ initiative points to several constructive pathways for future improvement. These include integrating digital dispatch and tracking systems, expanding public education on when and how to use emergency lines, and deepening collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, TSCZ, among insurers, emergency service providers, and communities. Such measures would further enhance response efficiency while complementing existing national efforts to improve road safety.
In a context where road traffic accidents remain a significant public safety concern, the ICZ highway ambulance deployment illustrates the positive impact that well-planned, collaborative interventions can achieve. While no single initiative can address all systemic challenges, this experience demonstrates that timely response, visibility, and partnership can make a meaningful difference—especially when it matters most.
