Be careful on the road this festive season

The Monitor Editor | Friday December 20, 2024 10:56

Over the past weekend in Greater Gaborone, four people tragically lost their lives in separate accidents, a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are on the roads, especially during this busy time of year.

The accidents, which claimed the lives of three pedestrians and one driver, paint a grim picture of the dangers faced by everyone on the road, not just motorists but also pedestrians. In one case, a young man was fatally struck by a truck whilst attempting to cross the road. In another, a 22-year-old pedestrian lost his life after being hit by a car. These incidents highlight the fragile line between life and death when proper caution isn't observed by both pedestrians and drivers.

With the festive season fast approaching, all road users, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians need to exercise extra caution. We must all take personal responsibility for our actions on the road, as it is clear that carelessness can result in fatal consequences. In addition to the tragic fatalities, several serious accidents occurred last weekend, underscoring the need for improved road safety.

Drivers in particular have a key role to play in preventing accidents. The police report revealed that over the weekend, 394 drivers were charged with speeding, 69 for using mobile phones whilst driving, and 153 for reckless overtaking. Such actions not only endanger the lives of drivers but also put pedestrians and other road users at risk. Drivers are urged to obey traffic signs, stay within speed limits, and never drive under the influence of alcohol. Speeding, in particular, is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents, and we all must remain aware of the dangers of excessive speed.

Pedestrians also need to be more vigilant. As we see from recent accidents, pedestrians who fail to use designated crossings or who walk on busy roads without paying attention to traffic can find themselves in life-threatening situations. It is vital that we all cross streets at pedestrian crossings and ensure that we aren't distracted by our phones or other devices whilst walking.

As we approach the festive season, let's commit to making safety our top priority. It only takes a moment of carelessness to turn a festive celebration into a tragedy. Whether we are behind the wheel or on foot, we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and each other.