Viral road safety poet Janice Carmichael says...

From 5A

Carmichael is the embodiment of a strong woman and she advised others to never give up on themselves. “I feel very satisfied that looking where I came from to where I am now, owner of my own home. My children have grown, they have all received a sound level of education. They are all working and doing stuff on their own so it shows that you should never give up on yourself,” she said.

Furthermore, she encouraged young people to get more involved in reading. “Reading is important. I love reading and if I wasn’t reading I would not be able to write. It seems young people these days are not too interested in reading but we need to get that back,” she said.

Carmichael’s poem which went viral is printed below.

Slow Down!

I really don’t feel safe on our roadways today.

Where citizens leaving their animals to stray.

When pedestrians using the roads in their own careless way

When public transport drivers saying ‘1 and 2 trips can’t pay.’ Vehicles passing, buzzing like bees out of their hives.

Be careful drivers, safe driving saves lives.

Use the 5 Cs, practise them and be wise.

The fatalities are people’s children, their husbands, and their wives. I don’t feel safe with how some people driving.

No indication to show that they turning.

So many accidents! Yet people not learning

Simple instructions, some folks not following.

Some drivers blaming it on the high cost of living.

They say they can’t make profit without the fast driving.

They have to get real money to take home to the wife.

Even at the expense of an innocent life.

Slow down drivers! Keep your eyes on the road

Vehicles should not carry more than their allotted load.

For cars, four passengers and the driver makes five.

Follow the safety rules and you will arrive alive.