We need a lasting solution

We have dedicated our front page today to all those who have lost their lives in road crashes this past month. Given our space constraints it was not possible to include the names of all the road crash victims, but with this edition, we are emphasising the pain caused to families and loved ones. A road crash happens in a blink of an eye and is a most traumatic experience. We have all lost siblings, parents, and children, as well as loved ones to Namibia's roads. We have no words to assuage the pain that is being deeply felt by loved ones and those who still bear the emotional and very real physical scars of crashes that have claimed lives over the years. Our appeal is that as the year wears on, the nation's drivers should become more and more aware of what responsibility lies on their shoulders, when transporting precious human cargo. Our country, with all its beauty and splendour, has become a death trap for coffins on wheels, where reckless and unbecoming driving has become the order of the day. It is petrifying to imagine that road accidents have become almost predictable on weekends. The recent carnage outside Kalkfeld, which claimed the lives of 14 people and left scores injured, is another sad reminder how unruly some motorists can be as far as the observance of traffic laws are concerned. The overloaded bus, which is permitted to carry about 16 people, was reportedly carrying 42. Shocking! We have a road carnage crisis, as we find ourselves over and over again grappling with this seemingly never-ending road crash problem. Law-enforcement should show no mercy to offending motorists, while negligent driving must be duly punished and unroadworthy cars should be taken off our roads. Namibia cannot continue to be robbed of productive citizens, because of the irresponsible conduct of a selected few. To all those who have lost loved ones and family: We wish you strength and comfort.