It cannot be denied that roads are quieter and less congested when schools are closed.
Even the pressure normally experienced by public service operators seems to ease during this period, save for the festive season.
However, schools are now reopening and, unavoidably, our roads will once again swell with both motorised and non-motorised traffic, including pedestrians.
Vehicles that were long parked because children were not going to school will now be revved up, ready to carry our precious souls to shape their futures in the classroom.
The country will also witness throngs of children walking along dusty and paved roads on their way to school.
All will be using the road, and this is a fervent plea to all road users, especially motorists, to share this busy, vital but dangerous space with children travelling to school by any mode of transport.
BOMALUME, SAFELY TAKE THEM TO SCHOOL — DON’T RUSH THEM TO THE GRAVE
There is a sizeable number of schoolchildren who use transport organised by parents and operators solely to take them to school.
More often than not, such vehicles are not licensed to perform this duty, not to mention that their roadworthiness is sometimes questionable.
Be that as it may, parents place their trust in the operator, particularly the driver, that he or she will safely deliver their children to school.
This article appeals to drivers in this category to never rush children to the grave through reckless driving, impulsive behaviour, or fatal decisions amid congested and fast-moving traffic.
It remains the driver’s responsibility to ensure that pupils are safely within the school premises after disembarking. Drivers must drop children at the school entrance or ensure they cross the road safely.
Overloading children in a vehicle is not cost-effective; it can cost them their lives.
We all have a recent, horrific and fatal example from a neighbouring country that reflects the dangers described above.
GIVE LIFE TO CHILDREN — KILL YOUR SPEED
Pedestrian fatalities and critical injuries remain very high among school-going children, especially when schools are open.
One of the leading causes of this tragedy is excessive speeding by motorists, particularly near school gates.
It would be prudent for all drivers to closely monitor their speed in these areas and pay attention to pupil activity, as some children may inadvertently step onto the road.
Reducing speed can save many lives on the way to school or just as children are about to enter school premises.
Many pupils walk to school, yet roads often provide no safe walking space for them.
In their rush to arrive on time, their small feet may find themselves on the carriageway.
Kindly reduce speed, allowing them time to recognise their mistake and move to a safer space.
As your children safely reach school, or as you take them there as a parent, please save ours as well.
They too have a right to life and a bright future.
Take Aways
- When schools open-share the road with school going children.
- Killy your speed or you shall kill a pedestrian/ passenger pupil
- Respect the school surroundings lest there be a child close by
- Give life back to the streets do 30km/hr and save the life of a child
- Your road safety choices matter every kilometre – be a responsible road user
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