Zero road death stats a momentous feat

THIS newspaper was delighted to share the good news that not a single fatal vehicle accident was reported over the critical three-week period encompassing the Christmas and New Year long weekends.

This bucked the gruesome trends of the past decades, when our festive season headlines were dominated by photos and stories of heart-breaking accident scenes.

To what do we attribute this amazing turnaround?

We do know there were fewer vehicles in the area, judging by decreased tourism numbers.

Financial constraints, given the current state of the economy, might also have played a part, especially with ever-rising fuel prices.

Perhaps more motorists have begun to take to heart the ‘don’t drink and drive’ message?

Visible SAPS and traffic policing, especially in the form of roadblocks, would have tamed driver misbehaviour to a large extent.

But surely the most heartening and most significant contributor was the local taxi sector.

Since they carry many passengers, any serious accident involving a minibus taxi normally results in multiple fatalities and injuries.

A concerted effort was made by SANTACO (SA National Taxi Council) and various taxi associations to inspect vehicles prior to the holiday season, checking for roadworthiness and licensing, while random driver sobriety tests were also conducted.

Added to ongoing driver training programmes throughout the year, this surely put a dent in the accident stats.

It is refreshing to see the discipline being instilled in this vital industry. Taxis play a huge role in the transportation of workers employed in local industry, commerce and homes.

Among others, they impress on passengers their right to be conveyed safely, and are ensuring the public is aware of the structures available to report driver misconduct or sub-standard taxis.

SANTACO is aware lawless taxi drivers are often a source of irritation to other motorists and are doing their utmost to overcome this obstacle and build bridges.

Plans are already being made to improve these relationships during the coming year.

Perhaps this past ‘zero deaths’ season heralds a new era in road safety.

On the other hand, this might have been a mere exception to the rule, and next year might see a return to the past road carnage.

We would like to believe it marks a positive, permanent transformation.