Most alarming though is the human error when it amounts to disrespect for the Law and especially the Rules of the Road! We appear to vent all our frustrations and anger when behind the wheel and in the security of our own vehicles – and in doing so are endangering the lives of fellow South Africans!!
We would like to share an email sent to the Arrive Alive Road Safety Website earlier this week:
“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I would like to report an incident I witnessed today (18 October 2010) on my way home from work, driving in Long Street, Cape Town, at 18h30. A man in a dark silver/gunmetal grey sports car (I think the make was a Mazda), came past me, driving very fast in the right hand lane.
At this time of day Long street is busy with pedestrians making their way home and also many informal traders bringing their wares back from Greenmarket Square.
On approaching a duo of informal traders who were rushing to cross the road before the lights turned against them, this car actually accelerated even more and aimed directly at the traders, as if to run them down.
At the very last minute, the car swerved (in front of me), crossed over two lanes and turned left at the next light.
Before swerving the car got so close as to actually bump one of the traders, and the driver clearly seemed to find the incident amusing.
The registration number plate of the car is ABBOTT 1 WP.
I believe this man is going to kill someone one day, if he hasn’t already.
I also believe that the incident had a racist connotation, given the seeming enjoyment of ‘hunting down’ the street vendors.
I hope that this complaint will be lodged against the driver of this vehicle, and recorded against his drivers’ license so that when he does kill someone, it will be clear that he has a record of reckless driving.
Regards
………..”
Only when we address our own behaviour and attitude towards our fellow South Africans will we be able to reduce the horrific accident rate in South Africa!!