The mango isn’t falling far from the tree…

As we observe and reflect on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, we are brought to the sobering realisation that we are all victims of the terrible driving culture that cuts across all ages and backgrounds, that characterises those who have acquired their licences legitimately and those who have ‘bought’ their licences.

The leisurely Sunday afternoon drive with the family has been blasted into oblivion by impatient motorists who seem to be permanently in a hurry and have no time for those who wish to drive at the prescribed speed limit.

The very term seems to have become an anachronism.

The frenzy that is demonstrated on our roads every single day–and often at night–speaks to the indiscipline in our country. The laws of the roadway are more often ignored than obeyed.

Drivers who obey the laws are often cursed, threatened, and sometimes confronted physically. At the very least, law-abiding drivers are regarded as fools who neglect to take advantage of any opportunity, dangerous or otherwise, to get to their destinations faster, regardless of the consequences.

Overtaking on the inside lane, which should be reserved for emergencies is common practice. Similarly, overtaking and then cutting directly in front of another driver, with no regard to the safety of drivers or passengers in either car, is a feature of life on the nation’s highways.

The use of indicators, a vital feature of every vehicle, a potential saver of lives and a tool of basic courtesy to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike, appears to have become a matter of choice rather than the observance of a compulsory rule that is meant to minimise danger and to save lives.

The red lights at intersections could easily be mistaken for challenges to the ‘intrepid’ driver. Hellbent on ensuring that he does not have to wait a moment longer than necessary, he may choose to overtake a line of traffic to ensure that he is first to proceed along his course when the light changes to green.

If there are no vehicles between him and the traffic lights, he can choose to ‘beat’ the light before it changes from amber to red or, indeed, to ignore the red light altogether and cut dangerously into the stream of traffic moving ahead of him.

The terrible mortality rate among the motoring public, cyclists and pedestrians that this country has racked up is indicative of an irresponsible, uncaring and perhaps even evil-minded sector of our community.

The grief, the physical and mental suffering that result seem to be of no consequence to those who abuse us all by ignoring basic safety regulations.

The stress and anxiety that many of us experience daily because of road users who put their own wants before the rights of the public have grown exponentially over the years.

That unease often results in disease that threatens the quality of our lives.

Pedestrians who ignore overhead crossings because they are too lazy or careless to use them for their own safety are as guilty as reckless drivers. Stepping heedlessly into traffic or crossing roads nonchalantly is an unbelievably stupid deed that puts many lives at risk.

While the state of many of our roads can be deemed to be poorly maintained or downright deplorable, that does not give anyone the right to threaten the safety and the lives of others.

When educators and coaches are confronted by wilful, indisciplined and rude young people, a look at the nation’s road users may well illustrate the kinds of examples that our young people are following.

In truth, the mango isn’t falling far from the tree.

Photo by Rejaul Karim on Unsplash