Collective responsibility will restrain reckless driving

Since careless driving is a learned behaviour most likely emanating from ignorance of an impending danger for any compromised road safety measure, an all-out solution is desirable without a second thought.

Loss of innocent lives is not only an agonizing experience to the bereaved families but also annihilation of the nation’s labour force that could otherwise have been prevented.

The common mistakes repeatedly cited as motives behind road accidents include reckless overtaking, loss of behind-the-wheel control owing to over-speeding, phone communication, apathy and naivety over pedestrian crowds.

Other factors include overloading that leads to tyre bursts, driver’s poor sight, slippery surfaces and so unfortunately, passengers’ love for high speed under various pretexts.
The misery is further complicated by nightmares behind securing insurance compensation for the bereaved.

Various transport stakeholders have raised voice on the accident scourge putting emphasis on compulsory dissemination of road safety information, the exercise which should be carried out on permanent basis instead of being undertaken casually depending on whether there had been fatal road accident on the previous day.

We believe that the best way to remedy the discrepancies should include more than just blaming the police’ inefficiency, to collective responsibility for which every citizen would share the blame for not cherishing road safety regulations.

For example, findings have established that egocentric attitude among drivers who refuse to give less consideration to other road users resulted to unnecessary road accidents.

Time and again authorities remind us that safe use of the road requires full concentration, cool mind, patience and willingness to help, for both drivers and pedestrians.

Paradoxically, such directives are taken for granted as if it is nobody’s business. But we believe that the lasting solution to the afflicting road accidents lies on collective responsibility. Wananchi cannot stand aloof expecting miracles from the police.

Again, boarding on a “Noah” brand minibus seems tantamount to signing death warrant in some places where passengers are accidentally caught in the wet owing to transport problems.

The transport challenge especially in rural areas appeals for appropriate intervention by local leaders, especially legislators and councillors who should take initiatives in ensuring sound deployment of vehicles into the streets.

We believe people vote for leaders with high expectations that they would address a myriad of challenges including transportation facing the community.

Reliable transport network will enhance shipment of harvested produce to the market with an appreciated degree of convenience and subsequent alleviation of poverty at both family and national levels.

Use of Noah minibuses is increasingly becoming popular in places with unreliable transport. We believe all stakeholders will continue seeking suitable solution to transport challenges and road accidents.