Road crashes are fast becoming a catastrophe in the country, with people being injured, crippled and others dying in traffic incidents. While there could be an avalanche of reasons for these occurrences, the human factor overrides them all.
Those in the know attribute approximately 80 per cent of road crashes to the erroneous use of the road by people. It can, therefore, be deduced from this data that if road users were to play their part in accident prevention, this rate could be reasonably reduced. His Majesty the King called upon the nation to complement all the strategic emergency traffic measures by doing their part to avert crashes on the roads.
This was during the opening of an emergency centre christened sicanco setemphilo at mshinande–ntfonjeni this week. In particular, Ingwenyama emphasised the importance of averting ‘drink and driving.’ Those who drink should consider driving only after they have sobered up, as their questionable state of sobriety often plunges them and other road users into catastrophic accidents, some leading to fatalities. We can all draw the impact of agape love from this royal call, as saving other people’s lives is an act of love in itself.
Pedestrians can also play a significant part
While we all lament the high rate of pedestrian critical injuries and even fatalities in traffic, the royal call can equally be extended to those who walk along the road. They too can play their part to save themselves.
From dusk to dawn, anyone venturing onto the road on foot, no matter how short the distance may be, should ensure that they are identifiable to motorists. Society thus far is largely unfamiliar with reflective clothing, yet nocturnal activities close to the road are prevalent in many parts of the country.
Pedestrians are, therefore, requested to keep a reflective band, belt or jacket to use in the event that their travel extends to hours where their visibility is compromised. Athletes should form part of this initiative, as they are on the road very early in the morning and late at night and are, therefore, very vulnerable to road crashes. In any case, non-motorised traffic should be separated from motor vehicles to avoid collisions.
Farmers kindly keep livestock away from the road
The prevalence of stray domestic animals in the causation of road crashes cannot be overlooked. There has previously been a royal command on this plight, directed at farmers never to turn roads into cowsheds.
Farmers are, therefore, requested once again to be wary of their animals straying onto the roads to avoid potential crashes where damage to property and loss of life may occur.
Given the residential structures along major roads, the presence of domestic animals cannot always be avoided, hence the need for farmers to make a conscious effort to drive livestock away and keep the roads clear for safe manoeuvres. As the nation travels to Hlane Royal Residence for the second leg of the Marula Ceremony, most roads to the east of the country will be swelling with traffic. Travelling to this auspicious royal occasion may begin during the day and continue into the night for many road users. It would be risky for all if they were confronted by herds of stray cattle, flocks of goats or packs of dogs, as serious accidents may occur.
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