Lawlessness is behind crashes
THE loss of lives on the roads due to car accidents is disturbing a lot. It is pathetic to note that innocent people whose lives are in the hands of the driver are also the victims.
The recent accident on the N1 near Hammanskraal, in which 16 people were killed as a taxi and a bakkie collided, is testimony that enough is enough with road accidents.
I have personally seen the wreckages of both cars and it is heartbreaking to think of those who were inside at that time, and the families who were waiting for them with love.
There are rules prescribing how drivers must conduct themselves. The Arrive Alive campaign and advertising in the media warn road users about the dangers of not obeying the rules. However, the loss of lives on the roads continues.
It is true that not all accidents are caused by careless driving. However, according to the reports, on average most of them are the results of careless driving and a lack of respect for road rules and other road users. Much as there are careful drivers who obey road rules at all times, there are certainly those who do the opposite.
Some of the road accidents did not have to happen but were a result of speeding. Some people drive with a racing attitude in them, overtaking
THE number of matriculants seeking admission at universities is overwhelming.
Some are even prepared to sleep outside the gates so they can be the first ones to be helped the following day. The big question, however, is, can higher education institutions help them? dangerously. A speeding car can scarcely come to a halt safely when there is a need for an emergency stop.
Again, some drivers would never stop at a stop sign. For example, at a four-way stop the rule is clear that the first to stop is the first move. I have seen it so many times the last to stop continuing to move ahead of others.
Overloading, unroadworthy vehicles, and driving under the influence of alcohol are some of the reasons for road accidents.
The use of cellphones while driving is also a major problem. It is even worse when people are texting while driving.
It is high time taxi drivers cared about the lives of their passengers. Safety on our roads is possible if all drives obeyed rules at all times. Rev Maudu Morudu Temba, Hammanskraal