Editorial
An accident is an accident is an accident
But it kills too
We are surprised that the minister for local government has taken umbrage at the media for describing the deaths in road accidents as "killings." He would rather we called these fatalities as mere accidents. Implied in his annoyance is the statement that accidents can occur and do occur. And that is exactly for what we want to take issue with him.
We have to disagree with the minister. The deaths in road accidents, and there are nearly 12000 deaths every year, whether on the highways or on the streets of the capital, have been due to, on the majority, the result of reckless driving, unfit vehicles, untrained drivers and faulty road configuration. Thus they were not victims of accidents but were rather "killed". Take for example the death of the little girl run over by a bus whose driver, reportedly, did not even possess a license. If that is not killing then what is?
Semantics do not change facts or the realities on the ground. What will however improve the situation on the streets and save the lives of the pedestrians and motorists are corrective measures that need to be put in place immediately by the government.
It is hard to explain why it takes inordinate time to undertake road safety measures. For example, as reported in this newspaper, it is only now, after two years of taking the decision, that the BRTA has moved to prohibit human haulers and remove illegal structures from the highways to reduce the risk of accidents. There is not a single zebra crossing marking in any of the major intersections in this capital city of an independent country. If this is not neglect then what is?
However, it is also true that pedestrians often disregard their own safety by cutting corners. And again it is for the police to ensure that the pedestrians are made conscious of the need to follow traffic rules and encouraged to do so. Violators should also be dealt with appropriately.
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