EDITOR’S NOTE

THE festive season has barely begun, and already the horror on our roads has started.

Two accidents alone over the weekend claimed 22 lives, and drink appears to have played a part in at least one.

This time of the year is unfortunately associated with the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol, and it appears that no amount of public education campaigns will get the “don’t drink and drive” message to sink in.

The dedicated driver campaign too appears to have failed in at least one of the weekend’s major accidents, with all the dead in one vehicle reportedly drinking heavily.

With appeals to common sense falling on deaf ears, it appears the only solution is enforcement.

Relentless roving roadblocks must be held around the province to root out the drunk, and those at the wheel of unroadworthy vehicles.

Revive the dedicated traffic courts to speed up trials, make the fines heavy enough to pose a deterrent, couple them with suitably long jail sentences and then we might look forward to the Transport Department’s hope for a reduction in road deaths with some enthusiasm.

Let’s drive with some patience and consideration during these days.

This is the season for rest, joy and festivities. Let’s not make it a season of death.