You Would Think We Are Made of Steel

I have been involved in four accidents along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in Kenya. It is a miracle I am alive to contribute to Drivers Education. I was beginning to think that I was running out of luck. Or am I?

One of the drivers was too exhausted to keep his eyes open. That is how we flew out of the highway at a speed of over 100km/hr. Were it not for some heaps of sand by the side of the road that considerably broke our velocity—before we landed in a ditch, I would have been writing from the yonder location. Oh! but the dead never write. Another was too reckless to slow down for a bump, and as Murphy’s law would have it, I had earlier noticed that my seatbelt was useless. What’s worse, I was in the back seat of the bus. In full force, I hit the roof, and came down smashing my chin on the seat grab handle on the seat in front of me. My chin opened up like a second mouth! I bled like a leaking pipe, yet the bus was not stocked with a first aid kit! The scar under my lip is a reminder of the stitches from that day. The other times, the drivers were just in a hurry to go places or very inexperienced.

One time I was forced to book into a hotel for the night because our designated drivers could not put down the bottle. They drove as they drunk, they drunk as they drove, undeterred by the fact that we had just come from a funeral! But then again, mangled wreckages of vehicles have been mounted near blackspots and some highways to remind drivers how their easy-on-the-eye rides could look like if they became careless. Still, they are undeterred! So my question is: why are we behaving like we are made of steel?

In 2022, the National Police Service reported about 16000 road crashes country wide where almost 4000 victims lost their lives. This is just one country, in less than a year! It is the reason I am convinced that driver education is crucial. It can not only promote safe practices on the road but also it is essential for raising awareness of the many risks involved. By extension, it will mould responsible drivers whose decisions can make a difference between life and death. Hopefully it does not stop at theory; thorough practial training sessions give forth skilled drivers who can navigate various scenerios with confidence.

When it comes to reducing the number of deaths related to driving, I think an all round approach would be more effective. We cannot rely on a single entity to get the work done. It has to do with quality training, strict rules and regulations, quality assurance, as well as improvements in infrustructure. We have to ask ourselves questions such as these: Was the driver competent? Who trained them? Did they pass the tests? Were there refresher courses? What was the conditon of the road? Were rules and regulations followed? Who let a faulty vehicle go? Was someone under the influence? Did anybody speak up? What about the vehicle manufacturer or road contractor? In general, who slept on the job? Is it the trainer, driver, law- maker, general public or the international community? Who thinks we are made of steel?

This portion would be incomplete if I do not speak of a growing cancer around the world. That more and more people are cutting corners to get around this issue is concerning. How many people are sociliting and/or receiving payoffs to compel others to look the other way when they put everyone at risk? A trainer will allow a learner to go through after failing an exam, after which they will acquire a license and be on the road. A careless driver will flaunt traffic rules and get away with it. A court will rule a lighter or no sentence to a perpetrator. Unroadworthy vehicles will be on the road. Policy-makers will fail to allocate the right funds for infrustructure, or make proper laws. Contractors will embezzle funds and do a shoddy job. Stakeholders and advocacy groups will keep quiet when they should be making noise. Driver awareness campaigns will not be funded or those funds will go into the pockets of a few. In the end there are no checks and balances, only a very corrupt system that is bound to kill its people!

I am yet to go to a driving school, and despite all the incidences I have had, I still think it is an important skill to have and I am determined to get properly trained. I will continually educate myself and practice often under supervision until I have mastered the art. Sometimes another road user is just having a bad day, and kindness and consideration on the road can go along way. I will treat them they way I would expect to be treated, and then better! Knowing what I know now, I do not doubt that I will be a safe driver who will not hesitate to speak up when others are in the wrong, or to assist someone who is stuck. I have seen very kind drivers help others navigate a tough terrain. I will emulate them.

In the end, I am privy to the fact that I could do all my best and find myself in a tricky situation that I have no control over, especially if it involves the actions of others. However, I will strive to do my best every day. Perish the thought that I should die as a result of a road accident, for heaven knows I am only flesh and blood!