Many people with limited knowledge of Africa probably think of Poverty, Malaria and HIV/Aids as the major causes of death in countries like Zambia and other parts of Sub Saharan Africa but add to the list Road Traffic Accidents.
35 people killed in Easter Weekend Accidents
This is horrendous news but it barely ruffles
any feathers in Zambia because death on the roads is so frequent. First
and foremost drivers must start taking responsibility for their actions
as most "accidents" (I prefer the term collisions as
accidents implies a lack of accountability to any party!) are caused by
recklessness. Such recklessness is often due to driving under in
influence of alcohol. In many countries driving under the influence of
alcohol is stigmatized. There is little sympathy from the public or
court when a driver causes an "accident" while drunk.
Meanwhile in Zambia it is commonplace to drive from bar to bar during
all day drinking sessions and even to drink while driving! This is where
individual responsibility is essential. Obviously the driver is
blameworthy but I would argue so are all of his/her passengers if they
are aware of the amount of alcohol he has consumed. Moreover, I would
also apportion blame to the bar/pub that allowed him/her to drink when
inebriated and in charge of a motor vehicle.
Individual
responsibility should also be applied to those who knowingly drive
vehicles that are unfit for use upon a public highway. Zambia's roads is
full of such unfit vehicles and these are often the cause of
fatalities. Major highways are strewn with broken down trucks (that have
passed through weighbridges and roadblocks!) and countless cars can be
spotted without headlights.
In each of the above scenarios
though the accountability lies not only with the individual but also
with authorities. Government must take the lead and ensure that credible
education programs are implemented. Police must enforce high standards
of road-worthiness upon vehicles and investigate how clearly unfit
vehicles came to be granted "fitness certificates." Everyone knows it is
because of "back-handers" and corruption but little is ever done to
deter RTSA (Road Traffic Safety Agency) employees from issuing such certificates in return for
bribes. Government and RTSA also have a role to play in ensuring that
the quality of roads are improved in Zambia and that less "accidents"
are caused by potholes and roads which are not fit for purpose.
Over the Easter weekend the Zambian Police Force issued a statement
reinforcing a police presence over the holiday period. This included the
setting up of roadblocks to promote road safety. Unfortunately reality
of a roadblock is a license to make money by the Police Officers on
duty. Drivers will often be fined for minor indiscretions in order for
the officers to raise some capital for Mosi, Castle and Hunters Dry (for
the side-dish!) so that they can enjoy the weekend festivities too. Such dereliction of duty is a crime and a crime
committed by those entrusted to uphold the law!
The tragedy is
that similar events occur every day in Zambia. Every day mothers bury
their children and people grieve over "accidents" that could have been
avoided. May the souls of those who passed away this past weekend rest
in peace.
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