Beware of social media, road accidents

The social media thrills. Globally, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and other online platforms have become the common way of communicating.

People of all ages and social status are utilising the flexibility of the social media to connect with each other even on the move.

Two months ago, Dedza Police Station connected an accident victim patient, who was admitted to Dedza District Hospital for three months, with his family using the social media.

The picture of the patient went viral at lightning speed on WhatsApp. In no time, it travelled to all corners of the country and beyond. Within hours, he was identified and linked with his relatives.

This demonstrates the power of the social media. It can be used for good purposes rather than spreading fake stories, sharing traumatising pictures and rumour-mongering.

Besides, there are some security lapse we create unknowingly when we abuse and underrate the strength of the social media.

First and foremost, we have to put boundaries on the use of social media.  Not every step or trip we make qualifies for space on our various social media pages.

Updating every social media follower about our movements may render us vulnerable to robbers and burglars.

During the festive month of December, many people travel to various destinations with families and friends for holidays and to visit relations.

To some, it may seem sparkling and pleasant posting their holiday photographs and statuses for fun without thinking about the consequences.

This is very insensitive and hazardous to our own security as the information can expose our absence from home or whereabouts. Some robbers may capitalise on the updates to wreak havoc.

Robbers are opportunists; they always do their research before they strike.

So, we must always be mindful and put boundaries on our postings for our own good.

Most of us belong to various social media groups that comprise people from different backgrounds. Some members can be robbers and others may be informants.

Another concern during the festive season is the number of road accidents which is usually higher than the rest of the year.

Is this just a coincidence or results of negligence and misinterpretation of the festive season?

Many confuse the season as an opportunity for alcohol abuse that mostly lead to drink and drive, over-speeding and  other traffic offences.

Most accidents are preventable if both motorists and pedestrians use the road correctly with a sober mind.

It has been noted that over-speeding is the major cause of road carnage in the country.

An over-speeding vehicle is tough to control in case of sudden eventualities. As a result, the vehicles overturn or miss the road when drivers apply emergency brakes.

Remember speed thrills, but kills.

It is either you get killed yourself or you kill an innocent soul because of negligence.

One cannot prove driving competencies by over speeding, but rather by observing road signs and regulations all the time.

Drive safely not only in the presence of law enforcers for fear the law and not the law enforcers.

The festive period this month is supposed to bring together friends and families after toiling for the better part of the year.

Travelling should not be a risk to life, but people should be assured of safe travel to arrive alive.

Let not the roads be death traps but safe pathways to lead us to our loved ones.  Good drivers always observe capacity to reduce the impact of road accidents and the wear and tear of their vehicles.

Have a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2018, but use the social media responsibly and drive safely. n