WHAT’S the saddest thing that you had to deal with these past weeks? Was it a final examination that you’re unsure of? Or how about your pay cheque not coming in time for Cyber-Monday sales? There’s no denying in the expression of emotions and how we feel, but while you may worry about events such as those, some people had a bit more difficult week. Some people are survivors of some of the most horrendous accidents this country has seen, while others are mourning the loss of their loved ones who died in those very accidents. I’d rather not use the word ‘trend,’ rather, I’ll say road accidents have been a recurring theme all week long as well as, for the entire month of November. Usually, I am that one columnist whom you may always go to for statistical proof or evidence. Sadly, however, I have lost track of the number of road accidents that I have read about.

Whether or not they were big or small, injured people or not, inclusivity of deaths or not—there are all significant in my view. Significant because we need to take heed to what’s happening on our roadways, the type of taxis/buses with which we travel, the general safety rules on using the roadways and most importantly, the type of persons we allow to sit behind a steering wheel. Are they responsible enough? Are they aware that their vehicle is not shatter-proof—or the human body for that matter? We, as pedestrians (yes, ‘we,’ because I am yet to start driving) should also be aware of our responsibilities for our own safety. A simple, ‘look right, look left and look right again and if the road is clear then walk quickly across’ goes a long way. And yes! I remembered reciting that as a child back in primary school.

At the end of the day, we should all be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and look out for each other. If you notice the taxi or bus is being driven way beyond the speed limit, then speak up! If you notice a pedestrian using the road recklessly by running over and so on, do not be afraid to tell them to be careful next time they think about doing that again. “They can’t touch me” is a phrase I hear many pedestrians use. Sure, they can’t because that’s a pending lawsuit. But what about instances when the driver might be drunk? Or he probably lost control of the car because of a mechanical failure? What happens then? Both the person behind the wheel as well as, those walking or cycling on the road needs to be on the alert.

The inspiration for the title of the column came from an awareness post that I came across. The video asked the question, “whey yuh speedin’ goin’?” It then showed pictorial options of, ‘home? hospital? jail? cemetery?’ Speeding to go home? Sure. But how can you reach home if you’re in the hospital nursing injuries? Or if you’re in jail for a traffic offence? Or how about the cemetery if you end up with a fatality? It was a message from the Ministry of Public Security. They are using the hashtag #slowdownbudday and I urge you all to use it on your social media platforms to raise awareness of this issue. At the end of it all, we should remember that these accidents are more than just statistics, there are lives involved. The number of deaths, number of injured victims, all had a whole life behind and ahead of them. Ironically, at the peak of new infrastructure, new and expansive roadways, we also have a peak in road accidents. All I am asking for everyone, who is reading this right now, is for you all to be safe! And most importantly, to the drivers out there, always ask yourself, “whey yuh speedin’ goin’?”