Road deaths - an urgent appeal to all road users

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

In the northern parts of South Africa alone, within 7 hours today, 3 motor vehicle accidents have claimed the lives of 4 women, a man and a child and left another 4 children under the age of 14 with critical injuries.

An appeal to motorists has to be made. After speaking to the paramedics that attended these horrific scenes, with them being the only ones there to try and fight off death in these people after the extensive injuries that they have sustained, and not always being able to save everyone, one clear message keeps coming across. Motorists need to start driving responsibly, and parents and guardians need to make the right safety choices for their children in cars.

Do NOT increases the chances of an accident

There will always be accidents that occur due to elements out of our control - but why just accept those ones that could have been prevented and are caused due to negligence or by breaking the law.

ER24 appeals to every South African who gets into a motor vehicle to make a conscious decision about safety and the way that they are going to drive. Encourage those that you are driving with to do the same.

Think clearly about the points below every time you get behind the wheel:

• Obey speed limits.
  
• Put on your seat belt.
  
• Children should at all times be sitting on the appropriate car seat and be buckle in.
  
• Indicate your intention to change lanes.
  
• Do not drive drunk.
  
• Stop at red robots.
  
• Remain calm and rational in all situations.
  
• Be considerate to other road users.

The number of senseless road deaths needs to be reduced. By making the effort, you just may be saving your own life, and those of others driving around you.

Source: Courtesy www.er24.co.za