Carte Blanche recently aired an episode which looked at the role South African drivers play in the dangerous state of our roads. While assuming individual responsibility for the state of the roads is a popular topic amongst road safety pundits, it is not one that receives as much attention as what the role of government and law enforcement does.
MasterDrive is one such organisation which has repeatedly expressed the important of individuals committing to road safety first. This commitment is necessary before initiatives of any other organisation can have power to affect change.
The MD of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the programme quoted many stats which motivate MasterDrive in their road safety campaigns. “According to show producers , 14 000 people were killed on our roads last year . Up to 90% of the crashes which occur are due to human error. To support these alarming stats Carte Blanche shared many clips of people talking on their phones behind the wheel, skipping stop signs and traffic lights, crossing white lines, driving in the lanes of oncoming traffic and much more.
“The most poignant comment, however, is that South African driver’s lack of respect for the law and other road users is a major challenge. Many motorists are quick to blame taxi drivers for road carnage. Yet, as Wayne Minnaar from the JMPD revealed there are more Sedans involved in crashes than taxis. I too believe, and have said before, that taxi drivers are better drivers than many other motorists.”
Even though a great deal of responsibility lies with the individual, many drivers persist in laying blame on other parties. “During the show and afterwards on social media, admittedly not the most accurate picture of the community, the onus of driving responsibly is placed on law enforcers. A common attitude amongst South Africans is without an officer to force them, it’s acceptable to drive irresponsibly.
“Something which was also concerning is many motorists believe they are above average in their driving competency. If you have not learnt to drive defensively with professionals, it’s unlikely you even meet the standards of average drivers. This is a very dangerous illusion to be driving under,” cautions Herbert.
Bad driving habits must become as unacceptable to South African’s own moral compass as what it is to people overseas. These countries’ road fatalities are the lowest in the world. Change must start with you.
To view the Carte Blanche segment, follow this link or click below
https://carteblanche.dstv.com/hows-my-driving/
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