WHILE investigations proceed into the cause of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two local women last Friday, the bigger picture of ‘Blue-light Brigade’ incidents remains of great concern for road users
To say that blue-light convoys have a poor reputation among the average motoring public, is an understatement.
Almost weekly, media such as us receive angry communication from peeved motorists who allege their lives were put at risk by the over-robust tactics of the cavalcades’ drivers.
The latest tragedy is by no means an incident in isolation.
Indeed, in this region alone we have witnessed untimely deaths of victims of accidents involving blue-light vehicles.
The names of Mike Allison and Tim Ncube come to mind.
While the safety and security of key politicians and senior officials are acknowledged – and even at times the need for urgent trips to crucial meetings and destinations – most would argue that the ‘need for speed’ is seldom essential.
There has long been heated debate about the manner in which innocent drivers are pressured into getting out of the way of the high-speed convoys, often being forced off the road or into oncoming traffic lanes.
In other parts of the country, incidents have occurred when those who have failed to ‘obey’ them have been assaulted and had guns pointed at their heads.
What is without doubt is that the community at large is angry and indignant at the treatment they receive when sharing the road with blue-light convoys.
The legality of these convoys has also been challenged.
The bottom line is: are these VIPs in fact being protected by these bodyguards on wheels who disobey every road law and safe driving protocol?
Does failing to stop at red traffic lights and racing in emergency lanes enhance the safety of the esteemed passengers?
No VIP convoy should ever put lives at risk: neither the lives of their passengers nor the lives of innocent motorists.
It’s time legislation was either altered or enforced to prevent future such catastrophes.
