As the Buganu Ceremony kicks off this weekend at Buhleni, traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly. This calls for heightened vigilance on the roads, with all road users urged to exercise caution, plan their journeys responsibly and avoid driving or using the road while under the influence of alcohol.
With the marula brew here and hitting the illegal and traditional liquor markets like never before. The prevalence of this intoxicating drink poses a huge threat on the roads, as road users of all kinds, when inebriated, are likely to make erratic, costly and even fatal decisions.
Of course, this is no different from any other alcoholic drink; however, the ease with which it can be accessed increases the number of road users who may be on the road while intoxicated.
For that reason, Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund joins a host of like-minded road safety stakeholders in cautioning all road users not to indulge in the fruit and then enter the road space. Doing so is dangerous not only to the intoxicated road user but also to many innocent people who may be sharing the same space, whether as drivers, pedestrians or passengers.
Those in the know often say that the potency of marula cannot be measured, but no one denies that it can be very high, propelling the consumer into a questionable state of sobriety and leading to traffic decisions that may cause the country grief, sorrow and unforetold loss.
Drivers are among the main culprits in the consumption of this beverage while continuing to use the road as usual. On an ordinary day, while travelling from one point to another, a driver may come across the brew and be tempted to buy some, perhaps for future use.
Tasting it may lead to another glass and many more, to the extent that by the time the driver leaves, they may be completely intoxicated.
At any time of the day or week, there may be unsuspected drink-drivers, who get away with dangerous behaviour until an accident occurs and they are exposed during law-enforcement and routine traffic patrols.
It is also common to find groups of people gathered by the roadside or elsewhere in the name of marula beer, with their vehicles parked nearby.
Often, none seek the assistance of sober drivers; instead, they get into their vehicles and drive home. The risk is high, not only for them, but also for others who may share the road space at that time.
Pedestrians and passengers
Road use is not restricted to motorists only; pedestrians and passengers are also an integral part of traffic.
Pedestrians who consume marula beer are road users who may sometimes be seen dangerously wandering in live traffic due to intoxication.
This poses a substantial risk and may lead to pedestrian fatalities, as motorists are unexpectedly confronted with erratic behaviour caused by alcohol abuse.
The same applies to passengers, whose conduct in vehicles, especially open bakkies, can turn an entire trip into a disastrous ending.
The warning remains that people should consume alcohol, including marula, well away from the road and adhere to advice to seek the services of sober drivers whenever there is a need to use the road.
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