HARARE - Police have this past festive season nabbed close to a thousand drivers caught using their mobile phones while on the wheel.

National police spokesperson Andrew Phiri said 879 people were arrested and fined for failing to keep off their talking gadgets while driving.

Phiri said such wayward behaviour by drivers contributed significantly to accidents recorded during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“We have accidents caused by drivers concentrating on their mobile phones while on the road. Such accidents are on the rise and the police are not letting them go easy,” he said.

So far, according to police, 180 people have died while 901 sustained injuries from 1 128 accidents.

“If people were to observe traffic regulations, we could have not reached these figures.

“Yes we have other factors that have contributed to the situation; most of them were caused by human error.

This year’s festive season is one of the bloodiest ever, according to the police.

Phiri said police have issued 13 278 tickets and impounded 1 400 vehicles for various defects. - Xolisani Ncube