Viewpoints | Apr 01,2023
Jun 5 , 2023
By Kidist Yidnekachew
I was in the front seat during a recent car ride and promptly fastened my seatbelt. I unbuckled it upon reaching the destination but the driver did not have change and needed to drive further to a nearby shop.
He suggested that I should not trouble myself with fastening it and could put it on top for formality so traffic police would not bother us. Although I had heard this statement before, I barely gave it attention until that moment.
I have noticed this behaviour in many public transports, particularly taxis, where people pretend to wear their seatbelts even though it does not fasten correctly.
Both the driver and conductor may suggest wearing faulty seatbelts to avoid tickets. But the safety protocol is completely disregarded. Passengers are not doing a favour to the traffic police by wearing seatbelts. It might be uncomfortable, but it is meant to save lives, not satisfy traffic laws.
It is important to prioritise safety over temporary discomfort or inconvenience.
Similarly, some drivers choose to disregard red lights because they are too impatient to wait for the signal to change, disregarding safety. Traffic police have been indicted for accusing drivers and making them pay fines without showing mercy. The situation is exacerbated when they disregard rules and fail to acknowledge their mistakes. They tend to shift the blame onto the authoritative figure.
It is disheartening to see people pretend to follow the rules solely to please authority figures or avoid punishment. Seatbelts in a car and safety gear at work are meant to save lives, not to avoid punishment.
Police officers advise people to ensure safety by avoiding walking alone in certain areas due to the risk of theft. However, if they still decide to venture into that vicinity and get caught by the police, it is unfair to complain about the fine without considering the law was put in place to safeguard citizens.
This reluctance for safety extends beyond road regulations. Casual labourers sit on the edge of unfinished buildings without proper safety gear, appearing comfortable as if they were lounging on a sofa. They chat and laugh, seemingly oblivious to the danger of falling. This can be unnerving for onlookers. Unfortunately, there have been reports of fatalities resulting from falls.
It is crucial to understand that rules are enacted to protect people from themselves, as everyone sometimes makes poor decisions.
Failing to adhere to safety measures is irresponsible and dangerous. The law should be secondary to this essential safety measure. The goal should be to create a culture of safety where individuals prioritise their own well-being and that of others.
Responsible individuals will wear their seatbelts without being asked, and drivers must follow traffic laws for their own safety and that of their passengers. Rules that save lives should never be broken.
The current strategy of imposing fines, suspending licenses, and other penalties appears inadequate in enforcing road laws. The authorities might need to devise new methods to encourage compliance, such as rewarding law-abiding drivers.
PUBLISHED ON
Jun 05,2023 [ VOL
24 , NO
1206]
Viewpoints | Apr 01,2023
My Opinion | Apr 09,2023
Radar | Nov 26,2022
Featured | Jan 25,2020
News Analysis | Sep 26,2021
View From Arada | Nov 21,2020
Sunday with Eden | Apr 11,2020
My Opinion | Mar 04,2023
Sunday with Eden | Feb 23,2019
Viewpoints | Jul 31,2021
Photo Gallery | 98510 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 90741 Views | Apr 26,2019
My Opinion | 73544 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 69828 Views | Aug 21,2021
Commentaries | May 11,2024
Editorial | May 11,2024
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
May 11 , 2024
The ruling Prosperity Party - the Prosperitians - has its leaders turned to the Publi...
May 2 , 2024
For successive generations of Ethiopia's tax authorities, the chore of tax collection...
Apr 27 , 2024
The Prosperity Party (PP) - Prosperitians - is charting a course through treacherous...
Apr 20 , 2024
In a departure from its traditionally opaque practices, the National Bank of Ethiopia...
May 11 , 2024 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
Officials of the Addis Abeba City Administration are advancing a series of ambitious...
May 11 , 2024 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
A downturn in demand from the cement manufacturing sector has resulted in an unforeseen surplus of coal in Oromia Re...
May 11 , 2024 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
Ethiopia's parliament established an 18-member think tank focused on addressing the construction industry woes. Under the leadership of...
May 15 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Manufacturers of biscuits, noodles, and animal feed are sounding the alarm, urging policymakers to interv...