As the festive season approaches, we are reminded of both the joy of togetherness and the shocking statistics that come with it.
Recently, KwaZulu-Natal has witnessed a series of tragic accidents and yesterday, 15 lives were lost in the Eastern Cape when a minibus taxi collided with a private vehicle. These tragedies prompt the urgent question: what more must we do to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives on our roads?
For far too long, South Africa has been synonymous with high levels of road fatalities – that must change. We cannot continue tolerating the deaths of our citizens at the hands of negligent driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and reckless truck drivers who seem to operate as if the rules of the road do not apply to them.
Innocent lives are often caught in the crossfire of bad decisions made by individuals who choose to drink and drive. We must send a clear message: the risks associated with reckless driving and substance abuse are not worth the lives of those you love or your own. Strict penalties including heavy fines and longer licence suspensions for offenders should be enforced, and the long-awaited demerit system should be implemented to deter this behaviour.
Moreover, we need to look beyond just punitive measures and embrace a holistic approach that involves education and community awareness. Road safety campaigns should be ramped up, particularly during the festive season. These campaigns must target both motorists and pedestrians, emphasising responsible behaviour and mutual respect on the roads.
South Africa boasts one of the most advanced road networks in the world.
The foundation for safe travel is already laid out before us. What we require now is a fundamental shift in behaviour and attitudes on our roads.
We need compassion for our fellow road users, a culture of responsibility that values life and safety, and a desire to coexist peacefully on our highways and byways.
This festive season, let us pledge to prioritise safety and respect on our roads. The lives we save could be those of our loved ones, neighbours or friends.
The Mercury