As videos are uploaded about the accident along the Queens Highway last week, there will be concerns raised about road safety.
That has to happen.
One person is dead. Twenty-nine others were injured in two serious road accidents just days apart, and, as we said last week, once again, we are talking about road safety.
The National Fire Authority confirmed the fatality along the Nabouwalu–Labasa highway last Monday when a bus collided with a truck, overturning it. And after that, 29 people were rushed to the Sigatoka Hospital after another crash at Semo Hill along the Queens Highway.
Different roads, different vehicles, same story! Another round of investigations. Another round of questions. Another reminder that our roads remain dangerous.
We continue to say this. We talk about road safety every time tragedy strikes. We debate it, analyse it, and mourn. Then, as the smoke clears and the headlines fade, we move on. It is the way of life. Well, until the next accident jolts us back into grief.
And as we have said before, road safety shouldn’t be a conversation we have only in the wake of death. It should be part of our daily lives, part of our discipline, our culture, our responsibility.
The videos now making the rounds highlights the issue of time. The essence of time, and our reaction.
Sometimes, seconds separate life and death. That separates safety and being injured for life.
Decisions are made on the go. Reaction differs among drivers. And this is why we should be adhering strictly to road rules. This is why we should be reflecting on common sense.
This is why we should be considerate of other road users, the endless possibilities, and the various scenarios that can unfold on the road.
Do we overtake? Perhaps wait until we are clear of a little hill, or a blind spot? Do we have enough power to get past a vehicle? Are we seeing approaching vehicles and are they on track to safely go past us? A lot of decisions are made on the run. What should matter is consideration of the welfare of other road users, and road safety! Are we alert? Do we need some rest before continuing our journey? Do we weigh taking time out to rest against arriving on time at our destination? What are the costs? Are we proactive?
The truth is, there are too many vehicles on our roads, too many reckless drivers, and too many near misses that never make the news.
Accidents don’t just happen. They happen when we allow them. Every decision we make on the road can change, or end a life.
We need a mindset shift. A national culture of respect for the road.
That starts with each of us.
As we approach the festive season, let us remember that safety is not negotiable. The rules exist for a reason. The limits are there to save lives.
So, let’s change how we think about road safety. No party, no deadline, no destination is worth a life.
Let’s keep our roads safe!
