Let’s keep Mbombela’s pedestrians alive

Hardly a week goes by without one or more Lowveld Media publications printing articles about pedestrians who have been killed or badly injured by a vehicle.

Last week, once again, Nelspruit Post told of a pedestrian whose body had to be retrieved from under a delivery vehicle.

Over 5 000 South Africans are killed every year in road accidents. Forty per cent of these are pedestrians. Thousands of people who work in Mbombela live outside of the city limits and rely on public transport. To get from bus terminals and taxi ranks to work or school, or places where they do business, they must walk.

It is vital that motorists are extra vigilant. Be aware of areas where there is a congestion of pedestrians. Be pedestrian-friendly, even if it means getting to your destination a bit later.

Pedestrians on the other hand must be vehicle-friendly. Metal is harder than flesh, do not take chances.

Not every road has a pavement, yet so many pedestrians do not use the pavement when there is one. Keep to the edge of the road, facing the oncoming traffic.

Another issue that infuriates motorists is that pedestrians wear dark clothing and walk in or across roads at dusk and at night. Be visible, it could save your life.

The issue of a safer Mbombela for pedestrians and vehicles is a two-way street. Drivers need to accept that pedestrian numbers will increase. Be sensible and cautious. Drive slowly, it could be a matter of someone’s life or death, or your own.

Those people who rely on their legs and feet to get around every day, always be alert, always think of your next move. Do not act in such a way as to anger motorists.

Let’s keep Mbombela’s pedestrians alive. Arriving at home will put a smile on your family members’ faces, not arriving will affect them for the rest of their lives.