Patricia Maganu
20 March 2008
Francistown — It has become almost a norm that after every holiday, people have to be talking about an out-of-the-ordinary accident that happened somewhere.
It is like it has been programmed in people's minds that there has to be some accidents during the holidays.
As another holiday approaches, people become excited and begin to think about what they are doing during the holidays, particularly where they are going.
The movement of people towards and during the holidays becomes a challenge as everybody hurries to their destination regardless of whether they are pedestrians or motorists.
Mmegi took off to the bus rank to find out what could be the excuse for so many accidents during the holidays. Even to days before the holiday, the bus rank looks like an ant farm as people bustle about with different goals and destinations in mind.
Most bus and combi drivers have asserted that excitement is a factor in most accidents. Even though it is common belief that public transport drivers are reckless, long-distance drivers say they are cautious. Among other things, drivers believe that at a time like this, all drivers should be more cautious.
Patrick Mohlachwa, who drives to Sebina Village, said that accidents during the holidays are caused by excitement among drivers.
"Excitement is borne out of a lot of things. People could be drunk, people could have new cars that they want to show off at their homes and then they neglect the road.
But the excitement that people are on a holiday is a problem," he said. Mohlachwa said that public transport drivers should make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy.
"Cars should be in condition and by all means let us try to abide by the speed limit, and when we drive as professionals, drive for the person behind, the person in front of you and for yourself," he added. Another driver who drives the Serowe-Francistown Road, Tshenolo Mokenti, says experience counts as a public transport driver counts during holidays.
"We have been doing this thing for more than five years. We should know what the holiday is like and we have to adjust. It could be dangerous to put a new driver on the road on holidays," he said.
"That is why, even though we have to work hard to make money, rest is also essential," he stated. Jemitias Mudzimba of Seabelo Express says he has been a bus driver since 1989.
"It even becomes more important at a holiday when people are barely behaving normal," he said. One has to worry about other vehicles on the road, drivers also have to worry about passengers.
"There are different passengers on the bus everyday, but we get people who are drinking and others just excited, and are not careful," he added.
Mudzimba says that at holiday time, people have a tendency of driving recklessly. Mudzimba says he is helped by his experience.
"When you have experience, you have the advantage of control over other drivers and passengers. You cannot be pushed into dangerous situations," he added.
The police say these holidays they are going to try and strategise for the holidays. Officer Commanding District No.1 Senior Superintendent Alakanani Makobo said as always, they will be on the roads trying to control traffic.
"We will keep, as usual, a close eye on the motorist movements to try and ensure safe arrivals hence a peaceful Easter holiday," he said. Makobo said they are going to increase shifts.
"Officers that usually are in the offices doing administration work will also be in the streets and roads patrolling," he said.
He added that he is especially worried about people who drink and drive and those who drive vehicles that are not roadworthy.
Francistown Police Station Commander Superintendent Mokuedi Mphathi said alcohol is a major factor contributing to road accidents..
Station Commander for Tatitown Police, Superintendent Alfred Ntiile, said there will be more permanent roadblocks and speed traps.
"We are going to cover a lot of areas at road blocks," he said. Ntiile also said excessive drinking and excitement are contributing factors in road accidents.
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