With three people dead on our roads within two days, in Sigatoka, you’d expect road users to be extra careful.
You would probably expect a bit more vigilance in as far as road safety is concerned.
Sadly, we still have people pushing the boundaries.
A 37-year-old man from Lautoka is in police custody for causing an accident while under the influence of alcohol at the weekend.
The man, according to police, was driving along Sukanaivalu Road on Saturday when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a 40-year-old accounts clerk who was standing on the roadside.
The victim was admitted to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, while the man is in police custody.
In a separate incident on the same day, a 37-year-old man from Kuku, Bau, Tailevu, lost control of his vehicle while driving along Knolly Street in Suva.
He veered off the road and hit a concrete retaining wall.
Police said the man was also under the influence of alcohol and was admitted at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
As investigations continue into the two accidents, we are again reminded about road safety.
When will we ever learn that accidents can also kill people. In fact some die horrific deaths. They lose body parts. Some are crushed to death, and their loved ones, some times, are unable to identify them immediately. Some, if they survive, do so with lost limbs. They may have a hand missing, an eye missing or their head disfigured maybe. Some lose a leg and some are paralysed.
Some survive yet have no feeling in their body and are bedridden for life!
Road accidents happen because we allow them.
These latest cases of drink driving are a major concern as we are well into the festive season.
They tell a story of drivers and some road users with a no-care attitude.
These drivers have no feeling whatsoever for the welfare of other road users. They are inconsiderate and do not care if family members of people who may be hurt in road accidents are sad and frustrated.
So we make this special plea. Think before you drive your vehicle today.
Be considerate. Think about the safety and wellbeing of yourself, your loved ones, and other road users.
Remember when you drink alcohol, you will lose your inhibitions, and chances are high that you will care less for the welfare of others on the road. Mixing alcohol and speed can prove disastrous. It can kill and it can injure people.
It can leave a family mourning for their loved one. Remember, that person injured or dead had plans. He or she had a life to live! He or she had hopes and aspirations. He or she was a loved and cherished member of a family. He or she may have been a parent or a guardian.
So before you drink and drive, remember you can make a difference and keep our roads safe!
Life hangs by a thread. It is fragile! We have one life! Let’s live that to the brim. Drive safely, and think about road safety! Remember the injured and the dead!
