Editorial: Education of pedestrians is key

Four out of 10 people who died on the roads during the festive season were pedestrians.

This staggering figure – 40% of the 1 617 recorded deaths, as reported this week by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula – should make the nation sit back and ask: “Why are so many pedestrians killed on roads?”

Authorities tell us that most pedestrian deaths occurred in urban areas. Some were the victims of drunk drivers and/or drivers of unroadworthy vehicles losing control and veering off the road, hitting those walking. Jaywalking – crossing or walking on the street unlawfully or without regard to approaching traffic – was a contributing factor.

Pedestrians’ attitudes towards vehicles has long been a cause for concern in our cities. Motorists are sometimes forced to employ advance-driving skills to avoid crashing into those walking on roads instead of on pavements.

Many pedestrians do not cross streets in demarcated areas, they ignore the traffic lights and cross even when the robots indicate they should stop. Others expect motorists to stop and allow them the space to cross the road. And still others do so with music blaring from their earphones and they do not hear oncoming vehicles. There are those who feel entitled to walk because “the driver sees me and must stop so I can pass”.

Add to this excessive alcohol consumption during the festive season by pedestrians and drivers and the result of the walk back home ends in disaster and tragedy.

To avoid these unnecessary deaths we need a massive but practical pedestrian education drive. Adults should be taught what their children learn in pre- and primary schools. They are taught to look right, left and right again before crossing the road. They obey the green and red signals.

If we imitated our little ones, we might just save many lives. Look before you leap.

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