Let us drive with respect The Namibian Police have been doing a relatively good job to ensure that motorists adhere to traffic laws over the festive season. Obviously there have been a number of unfortunate accidents on our roads in the last couple of days, but the presence of law enforcement agencies on our national roads is really commendable thus far. As part of the national road safety campaign, it is a pleasure to see that traffic officers are subjecting drivers to random drink and drug tests. There is no doubt that alcohol and substance abuse are among the most serious causes of fatal road accidents on our roads. Even if you are a super good driver, alcohol will always impair your cognitive functions like planning, vision and decision-making when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The nation can no longer afford to lose its most productive citizens to horrendous road accidents and because of the bad judgement or incompetence of some inconsiderate and negligent drivers. Furthermore, we need to realise that driving is a very demanding activity that requires serious responsibility and motorists must express attitudes in line with road safety. We also need to be cognisant of the fact that in the hands of a drunk or inconsiderate, incompetent negligent driver, a motor vehicle is a deadly weapon. As many holidaymakers drive to their respective destinations, there will be heavy traffic congestion on the national road network. For those travelling the message is simple: exercise patience (you will get there nevertheless, albeit ten minutes later), be mindful of fellow motorists and abide by the speed limit. Road safety is everyone's responsibility and we should always be considerate of others. On a lighter note, we would like to wish you, our esteemed advertisers and readers, a blessed and joyous festive holiday and a Merry Christmas together with your loved ones. Your favourite newspaper will once again be on the streets next week, December 27, 2016, Tuesday. Once again let us heed the call to reduce speed, wear seatbelts and to not drink and drive – as responsible motorists.Let us drive with respect The Namibian Police have been doing a relatively good job to ensure that motorists adhere to traffic laws over the festive season. Obviously there have been a number of unfortunate accidents on our roads in the last couple of days, but the presence of law enforcement agencies on our national roads is really commendable thus far. As part of the national road safety campaign, it is a pleasure to see that traffic officers are subjecting drivers to random drink and drug tests. There is no doubt that alcohol and substance abuse are among the most serious causes of fatal road accidents on our roads. Even if you are a super good driver, alcohol will always impair your cognitive functions like planning, vision and decision-making when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The nation can no longer afford to lose its most productive citizens to horrendous road accidents and because of the bad judgement or incompetence of some inconsiderate and negligent drivers. Furthermore, we need to realise that driving is a very demanding activity that requires serious responsibility and motorists must express attitudes in line with road safety. We also need to be cognisant of the fact that in the hands of a drunk or inconsiderate, incompetent negligent driver, a motor vehicle is a deadly weapon. As many holidaymakers drive to their respective destinations, there will be heavy traffic congestion on the national road network. For those travelling the message is simple: exercise patience (you will get there nevertheless, albeit ten minutes later), be mindful of fellow motorists and abide by the speed limit. Road safety is everyone's responsibility and we should always be considerate of others. On a lighter note, we would like to wish you, our esteemed advertisers and readers, a blessed and joyous festive holiday and a Merry Christmas together with your loved ones. Your favourite newspaper will once again be on the streets next week, December 27, 2016, Tuesday. Once again let us heed the call to reduce speed, wear seatbelts and to not drink and drive – as responsible motorists.