Road indiscipline: Who cares?
No society can thrive and progress when the foundation of law, order and basic rules are broken and trampled upon.
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Today, indiscipline has not only garnered roots in schools, business places and offices but also on our roads.
Not following the rules and regulations of a place is indiscipline.
Similarly, road indiscipline is disregard for rules and regulations on the road by users.
The road is used by both drivers and pedestrians.
Each has a role to play in making it a safe route.
Road signs are instrumental in safeguarding human lives, vehicles and properties.
They provide awareness and caution to users, yet they are disregarded daily.
Road education should be intensified, as many are ignorant of them, whereas some are just recalcitrant.
Unacceptable practices ranging from jumping over metal rail barriers to ignoring red traffic lights, parking or fixing break-down vehicles on the road without caution signs, allowing passengers to alight at unapproved points, etc., characterise practices on our roads in Ghana.
Some even block main roads for funerals.
Institutions ensuring compliance with road regulations should up their game.
Irrespective of who breaks the laws, the person must be brought to book.
Political and government officials, as well as the police, are equally included in observing road regulations ― as their errors may not only affect them but also others and public property.
The lawless actions of bicycle users have led to okada and scooter riders being maimed and killed.
We must collectively make Ghana work.
The very effective systems we admire in Western countries were created by citizens (who are humans, just as we are).
We can do the same or better.
Ma oma yi ho nhia wo (Let the nation matter to you).
Amoako-Sey Richard,
Child Worker & Etiquettes Coach,
Accra.
E-mail: amoakoseyrichard90@gmail.
com