Let’s fight to stay alive

the land.
Respect for the law holds many truths for the survival of mankind, even the Bible says. The wave of accidents we have witnessed provides lifetime lessons and highlights factors that need to be taken into consideration before we plan to travel in the future.

According to police statistics, 134 people had been killed in road traffic accidents by Christmas Day this year while 736 others had been injured in 795 accidents. The figure is almost double the 72 people who perished during the same period last year in which 555 accidents were recorded.

Analysts attribute the surge in accidents to a corresponding increase in people’s spending power owing to an improvement in the country’s economic fortunes.

The surge in road accidents calls into question the sincerity of police roadblocks which are almost everywhere. In particular, the death of 18 people in a haulage truck in Manicaland begs for serious answers because it needs to be explained how so many people could be killed in a vehicle without insurance and boarding facilities for passengers.

According to the police, 17 people died on the spot when the container truck with 63 passengers on board veered off the road and rolled several times in Hauna.

Where were the police when that ill-fated truck huffed and puffed its way from Harare?
Did the police certify the truck safe to pass through their countless roadblocks?
Why would passengers opt to travel in those precarious circumstances and pay their way to the grave?

The level of complicity subservience here is just too ghastly to contemplate. Various factors contributed to this tragedy which needs to be fully investigated and have the culprits brought to book. You can’t pack people like sardines on the tailboard of a truck without any safety precautions and expect to get away with murder.

Had the passengers been warned against such dangerous modes of travel, we would be in a different situation altogether.

The surge in accidents during this break bids on the police to be more strict in their checks and balances. They now need to justify why one passes through a check point at a time when the other motorist is barred.

The quest for bribes cannot camouflage the demand for safety. Holidays are a special time for so many reasons. They may be spiritually significant, or bring us closer to our friends and families.
They are a time of giving, gathering, and sharing good food. To the herdboys and shepherds, holidays present that chance to kill part of their flock for the stewpot.

For the young, holidays present an opportunity to receive some longed-for gifts. New toys, cellphones, bicycles and new clothes usually come with the holiday.

Despite all the magic that characterises holidays, they are not free from accidents. During holidays, there are more crashes than any other time, partly because some equate celebrating with alcohol.

Remember this is the time when most people will be travelling. Sure, there’s eggnog at holiday parties, maybe there’s a little rum in that drink and your friend only had one. That’s not much alcohol, right? Wrong. There’s still enough in that one drink to impair your friend’s driving.

Here’s a tip: Don’t let your friends drive themselves home. You may not like the outcome. What can you do?

To start with, announce you are the designated driver for the evening, or designate someone else to be. At the start of the evening, before the drinking begins, gather up the keys and hold on to them. Don’t give them back until the next day.

If you are not going to be the driver, ensure you have the number of a good cab company. Call another friend or even a towing company.

Do not let your friends who have been drinking get into a car and drive away.
In the same vein, do not let them walk away alone. Alcohol impairs judgment and may, quite simply, cause them to lose their way or walk out in front of traffic.

Another way to solve the problem of getting home after a night of holiday partying would be to stay where your party is. Find out beforehand if there might be a spare room to crash in, just in case someone in your party cannot make it home safely. There may even be an inexpensive hotel room very close by.

The importance of staying safe during the holiday season is obvious when you look at the statistics on holiday accidents. If you’re throwing a party, make sure you have snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available.

Make arrangements for your guests to get home or to stay with you, if possible. If you’re not comfortable with your friends leaving, don’t let them.

They may be upset at the time, but the next day you will still be their friend and they will appreciate you even more for taking such responsible care of them.

But the problem is not confined to road traffic accidents.
Here are some of the most common holiday mishaps and tips for avoiding them.
Poisoning by Plants — Poisonous holiday plants, like mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis should not be consumed by humans or pets.

Keep these plants out of the reach of small children and animals. If children or pets do sample these plants, call poison control.

Electrocution — All the tinkering we do with electrical sockets and extension cords when putting up decorative lights during the holidays can result in some unpleasant and dangerous shocks. Prevent them by using a ground fault interrupter and never attach more than three strands of lights into an extension cord.

Fireplace-born fires — All the cozy nights by the fireplace that characterise the holiday season increase the likelihood of a devastating house fire.

Make sure the damper is open, always use a grate or a screen in front of the fireplace and, should a fire come out of control, use an extinguisher or sand to put it out, not water.

Kitchen Fires — Cooking is a common holiday-time activity and with all the distractions and sense of hurry that can come during this time of year, it can be a dangerous one. Avoid leaving towels near heat sources, and always turn off the stove before leaving the kitchen.

Christmas Tree Fires — A Christmas tree laden with festive decorations is highly flammable.
Some Christmas tree fires are caused by the electrical lights that are strung on a tree, others are a result of the tree being too close to a heat source such as a fireplace or space heater. Always turn lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.

Falls — Holiday decorating often entails hanging lights and wreaths, and falls are common.
Though it’s tempting and seemingly easy to hop onto a chair, porch railing, or countertop, this is dangerous. Always use a stable ladder or stool.

Candles — Candles are a great way to add pleasant aromas and ambience to your home during the holidays. Take care to keep your eye on them.

Underwriters Laboratories reports that candle-related house fires are a common mishap during the holidays, accounting for 166 deaths, nearly 13 000 injuries and US$450 million in direct property damage each year.

Don’t leave candles or menorahs burning unattended and place them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces. Make sure to them away from anything flammable it would definitely be best to get them out of the way while your family is unwrapping presents.

Let’s fight to stay alive and put safety first.
Enjoy your holiday.