It is tough having to accept that people have died in a road accident.
It tugs at the heart-strings, and leaves an indelible impression on the minds of all those directly impacted, like loved ones, and those indirectly impacted, like those responding to the accident.
So when police confirmed two more people became our latest road accident fatalities, it inched out an emotional response.
This is to be expected. In fact, it happens every time accidents happen.
For many weeks, we go through awareness campaigns that target road safety. We discuss issues relevant to road safety.
We organise panel discussions, posters, and general media coverage.
There is great emphasis on prevention.
We talk about rules and the laws that govern road usage and why it is important that we must adhere to them every time we are out on our roads.
We appear to reiterate these valuable tips and safety measures every time there is an accident.
We learn that the two people died after the car they were travelling in was involved in an accident at Wainisalato settlement near Naboro on Sunday.
This was confirmed by police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro.
A witness, according to the police, spoke of the horrific scene that greeted her. She spoke of blood and injured people.
She spoke about how they had to carry victims out. It was a frightening description of the scene at the accident site.
But this is what it is about. Road accidents are terrifying. There is blood and when there is a death, this is difficult to get over.
There is a cost factor involved when one considers the productive life of a victim which is lost because of an accident.
This is worsened when people are left crippled and some lose body parts because of an accident.
There are people who become dependent on others for the rest of their lives.
As much as we do not want to see road accidents, they happen because we allow them to.
As we head into the festive season, let’s remind ourselves about road safety.
Traditionally, a lot of traffic movement is expected over this period of the year.
People will travel to meet up with family members, they will make a journey to spend the festivities in the village if they can.
They will attend to traditional and cultural obligations perhaps. For many people, most weekends will be spent on the road, travelling.
They will either head down to the nearest beach for a bit of fun with the family or loved ones, or they will factor in travelling time outside their district for various reasons.
Let’s be mindful of road safety, adhere to every road law and let’s plan our journeys well.
