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Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Today I want to talk
about the importance of road safety. Many people think that accidents only
happen to other people. They talk as though they are immune to it. But accidents
can happen to anyone, and when it happens on the road, the consequences can be
severe or even fatal. An experienced road-user has this to say. "You may take a
thousand risks and get away with it every time, but it takes only one accident,
just one, to cause you injury or death." How true this is. I once had a friend
who was a daredevil motorcyclist on the
road, risking his life and that of others with his reckless attitude. Well, he
must have cheated death more than a thousand
times but it took only one accident to end his life. Most accidents are caused
by the errors of the road-users. Very infrequently does vehicle defect or
mechanical failure cause an accident. Usually it is the person using the vehicle
who is at fault. A person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not
fit to be using a vehicle because his or her judgment is compromised. The person
may behave erratically or dangerously on the road and hence the increasing the
chances of causing accidents. Many drivers involved in accidents tested positive
for dugs or alcohol. So do not drive if you are under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, and do not sit in a vehicle driven by such a person. Better still, keep
away from drugs or alcohol. They are not of no benefit to you at all. Know all
traffic rules and obey them. If you see people speeding recklessly, jumping
queues, jumping red lights, parking illegally etc., please do not follow their
example, or try to teach them anything. Leave them alone or make a report to the
police. Don't try to deal with them on your own because that would likely create
conflict. There have been cases of driver bashing up others because of a
misunderstanding. Don't become a victim of such conflict. If you are
involved in an accident, remain calm and don't argue with the other party. Just
call the police and let them handle the situation. In a more serious accident,
injuries or death may have occurred. Again remain calm and call for assistance
if you are able to. Otherwise wait for assistance to arrive. The best policy
however, is to avoid accidents, for in an accident, it does not really matter
who is right or wrong. What matters is who is left. Read safety is your
responsibility |
