Our road safety record is dismal

Nov 30, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
The appalling carnage on our roads continues daily and we as a nation seems to be helpless at reducing it. Even in far more densely populated places with more traffic, the fatalities are far less in comparison. It seems that most drivers are in a hurry to get somewhere driving over 100 kmh where the limit is 80 kmh. The recent article, “ With 16 fatalities in 27 days…Road Safety Month is second deadliest period for the year” should red flag all concerned ( and all are affected) to make efforts to curb this situation. Authorities and road users alike need to jointly change their modes of operation for this to happen.
My suggestions to save lives are:

For drivers:
1. Observe speed limits, the limit is usually the maximum and a slower rate should be used according to conditions—when it is dark, raining, busy, congested.
2. Do not overtake when bicyclists and motorcyclists are in front of you; treat them as vehicles…wait a few seconds. (overtaking can lead people to the undertaker)
3. Most importantly, do not drink and drive. Let sober licensed family members/friends drive when you drink or take a taxi.

For cyclists;
1. Don’t carry heavy loads on you handlebars; use a backpack.
2. Don’t drink and ride.
3. Ride in single file; not two/three abreast.
4. Use lights, reflectors at night and wear light-colored clothes (make yourself visible)

For the authorities:

1. Enforce the laws without fear and favour. Killing someone while drinking and driving is vehicular homicide and should be treated with utmost seriousness.
2. The police should be visible—proactive and not reactive.
3. Run public service advice on proper road use regularly on TV and radio (especially at news and death announcement times).

Karan Chand

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