Let’s stay alive and celebrate New Year

Two more days to go before we usher in 2021 and our road death toll has increased by five in a matter of days. We have been doing well compared to our record last year. Now our death toll stands at 39 compared to 61 last year.

Let’s make sure that we do not hit the 40 mark. That will come if we exercise care on the road whether we are the driver, passenger or pedestrian.

We all have equal responsibilities to ensure we reach our destination safely.

If you are a passenger you can help the driver stay awake, respect the speed limit, go slow on the bend and focus on the road ahead.

Drivers have the most important responsibility which includes making sure the vehicle is roadworthy before the journey. It means it is mechanically fit and warranted, the tyres meet the required standard, the lights are working perfectly, petrol, engine oil and water are fine.

Physically the drivers must be prepared for any long journey, have had a good rest or sleep and a good meal. If they feel sleepy during the journey, they must stop for a brief power nap before they continue. Avoid dangerous and risky manoeuvres and be careful of blind bends if they want to overtake vehicles in front. Three people died after two cars collided on Natovi Highway in Tailevu North on Sunday. It happened after one car allegedly overtook another vehicle.

Last but not least drivers must follow the speed limit, be patient and practise defensive driving. Some bus and taxi drivers are the worst offenders when it comes to defensive driving. They lack road courtesy and are very impatient. They would not give way but would expect others to give way to them.

If all drivers, irrespective of the size of their vehicles, take the necessary precautions accident risks will be reduced significantly. Sometimes attitude is dictated by the size of vehicles. Drivers of big vehicles give the impression they are the king of the road and therefore have the right of way all the time. That needs to change.

Then the other important member of this safety first partnership are pedestrians. In places where there are no footpaths, they should stay clear of the road.

They should always walk on the right side of the road and use the traffic lights and designated crossings. If there are none, they should make sure to look left and right and cross the road when it is clear. Do not play on the road or near the road. This applies to both children and adults.

These reminders may seem basic and not new but they are crucial and essential to follow if we are to stay alive and celebrate the New Year.