EDITOR – I am writing this to all motorists on our roads.
Have you ever felt vulnerable? Not in control? At risk? Unfortunately, I have to feel this vulnerability and uncertainty every day on the way to and from school.
Here are a few reasons why I feel this way. You may not believe this, but 35 per cent to 40 per cent of road deaths in South Africa are pedestrian deaths. Deaths of people like me. As a pedestrian, all I can do is hold up my end by obeying road rules, but I have no control over you and whether you will react in time to save my life in the event of a possible accident. I can’t stop you from texting on your phone while you drive, I can’t control the speed of your car around a corner, especially near school zones, and I can’t stop you from trying to beat the traffic light. I can’t control your blood alcohol level, but I do understand that there are two sides to the relationship between a pedestrian and a motorist.
I understand that the responsibility of road safety rests upon both of our shoulders. This is why I pledge to hold up my end of the responsibility: I will not text or listen to music while out on our roads. I will abide by traffic rules, not jaywalk and always ensure that a road is safe to cross before I do so. In short, I will be a responsible and careful pedestrian while doing everything within my ability to make your drive easier. I pledge to hold up my end in the hope that you will too.
The safety of pedestrians in our country is of dire concern. More specifically, the safety of learners who walk to and from school in our community is an issue that should be regarded with the concern of everyone because I am your child, your sibling and your grandchild.
To all motorists on our roads, I ask that you hear my plea and aim to ensure that I never have to feel that vulnerability ever again.
The Representative Council of Learners at Durban Girls’ High School – on behalf of learners everywhere
