Biznews Mailbox: Addressing SA’s road deaths, the Daily Killing Spree

From Eugene van Wyk, London: 

I read with some degree of already worn alarm:   Another day, another taxi through red light, another 53 SA road deaths on Biznews.com. This matter has been plaguing me, as a Chartered Physiotherapist, and, of course, as a fellow citizen, for many years.

Although now transitioned from active practice, we did encounter a great many of the Injured people, resulting from Road Traffic Accidents. I have been rather keen to explore the rest of South Africa, however, one gets put off by the Daily Killing Sprees On The Killing Fields!

Sadly, I now believe that very little, if anything at all, can be done by the Authorities of the day. As you already know, all seems to be in vain. However, I am a firm believer in Continuing – despite the odds being against progress – to knock at the necessary doors.

I have lived in Australia on two occasions; both when the "Drink And Drive" laws were promulgated; as well as making it Compulsory for both drivers and passengers, to use Safety Belts. Being a rather law abiding Nation, the impact was dramatic; overnight improvements on the Australian Road System.

There is only one remaining course of possible action, so it seems. Use the media – radio, Tv, The printed press to Weekly highlight the Road Death Casualties of the previous week. This to be done on a Friday evening at just before 6 in the late afternoon.

Furthermore, as you may already be aware, there is growing concern among possible tourists, who consider South Africa as a possible venue to visit.  However, as many of these folks, have access to the internet, more and more are put off by both the Crime Deaths, and, of course, the Slaughter On The South African Killing Fields (as the SA Road System is now beginning to be referred to!)

In fact, I well recall a friend in Australia saying: "I look forward to the visit to South Africa where you can at least Drink And Drive!" I trust you will do whatever is within your powers and ability as well as your Enthusiasm, to keep Pressure on the Various Authorities to Immediately and Continuously Address this Very, Very, Very Important and Quality Of Life Depriving Killing Fields Matter.

I have, on numerous occasions, broached the subject with a growing number of institutions, persons whom I suspected might have some clout with the Authorities of the day. With the recently contacted persons, in keeping with the South African Tradition of Not Pay Much Attention, I had No Response. It is, therefore, Killing Business As Usual – despite the Annual Feel Good Promotions About Road Safety.

 * Eugene van Wyk is a Chartered Physiotherapist and author of Your Precious Spine & I, and Chartered Physiotherapist. He is currently based in London.