We can stop carnage on our roads

Easter will soon be upon us and the annual carnage on our roads will bring its usual toll of death, misery, and sadness largely due to the utter selfishness of the average South African driver.

A friend of mine from overseas noted that there were a number of possible ways that we could help to reduce this sad statistic and these are his thoughts, penned in the hope that all involved in traffic would agree that the reduction of death must be our nation’s top priority when it comes to road usage.

First, reduce the number of traffic lights and stop streets and replace them with roundabouts. These have proved effective in many cities overseas and help to keep the traffic moving. It is an axiom that our traffic authorities suffer from illuminomania – ie. the manic desire to put a traffic light on any conceivable corner, probably a third of which are not working at any given time.

Second, deploy traffic wardens (note not traffic police) to where the death statistics really count, ie. the main roads, or in a way that they assist and not hinder the traffic.

Third, hastening the implementation of a punitive code for breaking the speed limits and suspending licences in cases of excessive speed. The traffic fine system is just not working and far stronger methods are needed when dangerous traffic violations are encountered.

Finally encourage the public to get involved by reporting serious offenders in your columns. This might cause the most blatant offenders to think twice.

Derek Kirsch,

Linden

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