THIS AND THAT michelle cahill Just be responsible

THE HOLIDAY season is approaching and those lucky enough to be able to afford a holiday, no matter where it may be – anywhere but at home – will soon be leaving for their destinations.

Now, I have to point out, I dread this time of year and Easter. With all the traffic on the road, many people will not be making their destinations or be coming home to their loved-ones.

Instead of it being a happy and joyous time, for many it is a sad, sad time.

This week an interesting article emerged reporting that fewer than seven percent of South African children are travelling in safety seats.

Seriously people, this is just appalling beyond words! Is that how much you think of and value your child’s life?

I have seen people driving with a baby on their laps. Now what happens if you have to make an emergency stop?

Sure your baby won’t be flung out through the windscreen, but if your airbags had to deploy

… I shudder to think of the consequences.

Then there is also the very strong possibly that you may crush your child against the steering wheel.

Just think of the guilt you will have to live with just because you didn’t strap your baby in their safety seat.

The accident might not be your fault, it might have been some other idiot driver’s fault, but the fact that you did not bother to take those few minutes …

I don’t have children, and sometimes I regret not having that privilege, but when I think of all the responsibility that goes with it, and just thinking about what could happen to them, I’m sometimes glad I didn’t have any.

Imagine having to bury your child. No parent should ever have to do that.

I remember when I was visiting my brother in America a couple of years ago. At the time they had three adorable children.

They have now been blessed with a fourth.

Anyway, whenever we went anywhere, it may just have been one or two blocks, those three were always strapped in. Yes, it was sometimes difficult to get them to sit still enough to buckle them in, but my brother and my sister-inlaw never once pulled out of the garage before all their children were all securely strapped in to their car seats.

Who knows, those extra minutes could well have saved their lives on numerous occasions.

Please people, take those extra minutes, don’t let it be on you if anything were to happen to your children.

Another thing that makes me nervous at this time of the year is the possibility of a child drowning. People, please, please never ever leave your child unattended for even just one second. That’s all it takes for a child to get themselves into trouble.

If you can’t be there, have someone else who is responsible and vigilant take care of them. Even if it is an alert six-year-old such as the one who saved the lives of three children.

Now, the taxi drivers.

Seriously dudes, you are responsible for the lives of dozens of people.

It really and truly isn’t just about making the quick buck. It doesn’t matter how many people you try and stuff into your taxi for a long journey, this is people’s lives we are talking about, and you have to be able to take responsibility for them.

And, remember, you also have children’s lives in your hands – please be responsible.

For those taking their road trips, please be careful out there and arrive safely at your destination, and come home in one piece.