Stay safe over Easter

For some, the imminent Easter weekend is a time of religious and reverent observance; for others, it is simply another most welcome long weekend.

In either case, what is true is that the roads will be busier than usual as people take the opportunity to use the extra days for travel, including devotees who will fill buses to various spiritual gatherings across the country.

It’s also the school holidays, and although the traditional exodus to the coast has been somewhat reduced given the financial fetters of the current economy, there will still be plenty of traffic – and accidents.

Alas, this time of anticipated enjoyment, rest and recreation inevitably also brings with it heartache for many as lives and limbs, along with dreams and hopes, are lost in serious collisions.

Despite all the ‘Arrive Alive’ and similar campaigns; the many warnings about not drinking and driving; good advice to get plenty of rest; ensuring vehicles are in proper roadworthy condition; and cautions against speeding, the weekend will unfortunately again bring suffering and misery.

At the same time, it will stretch the resources that must deal with these tragedies, including traffic, fire, police, and ambulance personnel.

The crews that man these emergency services are not immune to the trauma, regardless of how many times they have witnessed crushed vehicles and broken bodies.

We might also note with appreciation that this will be no holiday for them, as they will work extra shifts, callouts and overtime to deal with the consequence of human misbehaviour.

One simply does not know what to suggest that might somehow talk sense into drivers and limit the extent of the selfinflicted death toll this Easter.

In the end, there is no mass solution; and one cannot legislate common sense.

It becomes a matter of taking personal responsibility.

Like the steering wheel we hold, our fate could well be in our own hands.