Police must restore order during festive season

WITH the Christmas holiday season upon us and with schools set to close soon, there is need for caution on the roads.

Our roads are in a terrible state, meaning drivers and pedestrians should always be on the alert to minimise road carnage.

Law enforcement agencies should be deployed strategically, not as bribe seekers, but rather to inspect vehicles and ensure that they are roadworthy and drivers are properly licensed.

More often than not, vehicles that are not roadworthy are found on the country’s roads, raising suspicion that motorists would have bribed their way past police checkpoints.

If the scourge of road traffic accidents is to be ended, there is need for the removal of all defective vehicles from the roads, while unlicensed drivers deserve to be locked up.

Drivers also need to understand that there is no need to drive while they are tired and instead should ensure that they are well rested before taking to the wheel.

Public service vehicles should also be scrutinised very carefully, as a fair number of accidents involving such vehicles contribute to the high number of fatalities on the country’s roads.

The holiday season means there will be more traffic and thus the need for continued vigilance.

The main cause of road traffic accidents is human error, meaning there is need to ensure that this is reduced by all means necessary.

If human error is eradicated, the number of accidents will certainly fall and this is where law enforcement agents come in.

As we begin December, we hope you are all mindful of the importance of observing road rules and driving safely.