By Alec Hogg
On Sunday, I was relieved to see Gautrain settled with its union so its service continued as normal. Like many great products, once one gets used to the underground, it becomes weaved into life. I often say a little prayer of thanks to those who had the foresight to invest in this incredible facility. And for persevering despite those many nay-sayers.
But my daily walk to and from Gautrain stations also provides a close-up view of something scary. In well over half the single occupant cars, drivers have their heads down, away from the road. It’s obvious they’re tapping away on their mobiles, texting or updating themselves on the latest news. I doubt this reality has been worked into radio listenership stats. But it is most definitely being seen in an escalating accident rate from an already high base.
A brilliant video advert from VW (watch it on Biznews) ends with the statement that texting while driving has become the biggest cause of road deaths. Surpassing alcohol. Wow. If that doesn’t sober up our text obsessed nation, what will?
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