The number of reported traffic accidents during the third quarter of 2023 reached 4,351, up by 7.1% over the same period in 2022, the National Statistics Office said in a recent release. If one were to look at the statistics between January to September, rather than just the third quarter, the number of accidents is also higher this year than last.
There hasn’t been an increase in the number of people injured. But the number is still quite high. Between January and September in 2022, there were 1,228 casualties from road accidents, and during the same period in 2023, there were 1,238.
Being safe while driving should be everyone’s priority on the road. All it takes is one mistake for a tragedy to occur. The number of vehicles is increasing substantially each day, and so the chance of being involved in an accident rises.
This means that everyone needs to be on their toes. Drivers must remain alert at all times. Don’t use phones, keep your eyes on the road, don’t speed and give way to avoid accidents. Far too often drivers will not give way because of stubbornness, or because they are running late, which risks causing an accident.
Being stuck in traffic when travelling at all times of day, and not just in the peak hours like it used to be not too long ago, gets people’s blood boiling. But that is no excuse for driving recklessly or for speeding. Keeping calm and following the rules of the road are important to avoid injuring yourself and others.
Motorcyclists needs to be extra careful. Weaving through traffic can be dangerous, and must definitely not be done at speed.
Pedestrians meanwhile should make sure to use zebra crossings and traffic lights if available, and if they must cross a road without one, take care to ensure no vehicles around are speeding, that vehicles are far enough away, and that the drivers have noticed your intention to cross.
More road lighting and better signage in some areas could also help prevent accidents.
If we all pay attention, look and be courteous on the roads, then we will reduce the number of accidents.
The police have been seen using speed guns on the road, which is a good deterrent to speeding. But they should ensure that the areas they deploy such a resource to are truly locations where excessive speeding and dangers exist.
The Christmas holidays are just over a month away. Soon people will start attending Christmas parties which will, inevitably, lead to people consuming more alcohol.
One cannot stress enough that driving after drinking not only puts the driver’s life at risk, but other peoples’ lives also. Don’t drink and drive. There are so many cab companies there is no excuse.