Festive season: Don’t speed or drink-drive

It is the festive season again, and as it has happened before, motorists get carried away with the festivities and merrymaking. Given the immense joy and excitement over Christmas, the festive period is the most dangerous time on the road for everyone - drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

Pictures of vehicles involved in accidents made rounds on social media platforms at the weekend and through to yesterday. Social media users went into overdrive in linking the incidents to the Christmas season that has kicked off across the country.

Police have in the past attributed fatal traffic accidents around Christmas to driving under the influence of alcohol. The other causes, they say, are speeding, reckless driving, reckless riding by boda boda and pedal-cyclists and driving vehicles in poor mechanical condition.

It is also important to note that Christmas comes with the desire by many to travel upcountry to celebrate with their relatives and friends many of whom they have not seen in a while. For the up-country travellers, especially those driving themselves or those in the transport sector, they ought to be careful because some roads are undergoing repair, construction and others may have slippery surfaces. This might be a recipe for accidents for new users.

It is also imperative to carry out proper service to your vehicle before hitting the road for that long journey. And while on the road, observe traffic rules and regulations, read and respect road signs and respect every road user. Also, ensure that you are in the right state of mind to drive; motorists are not advised to drive while stressed for it lowers their level of concentration on the road.

Besides, the number of vehicles on the highways increases because of the mad dash to the village. The increase in traffic means increased chances of congestion and collision. Police last year said at least 682 Ugandans died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2011, 645 in 2012, 670 in 2013 and 672 in 2014. Everyone wishes to have a smooth Christmas and accidents should not dampen the mood.

The police should also step up efforts in overseeing traffic both in the city and on the highways. The 1998 Road Traffic Act mandates the Force to protect Ugandans against road accidents and they should be given the space and support to do so. This Christmas, don’t take a holiday from adhering to traffic rules. Be extra careful, extra cautious and extra vigilant when driving.
We wish you Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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