Perhaps you’ve noticed that since 2006, I’ve ended my articles by saying, “Be respectful in traffic.”
I think it is right to add this sentence to the end of my articles because I believe traffic accidents can be prevented through respect.
After all, I believe that “respecting others’ right to life” is one of the most important elements of being civilized!
On the other hand, I also know very well that people have certain rights simply by virtue of being human; these are “fundamental human rights”!
As the name suggests, you don’t have to do anything to enjoy these rights!
Simply being human entitles you to them!
These rights begin with the “right to life”!
That is why I especially emphasize the word “respect” when I issue warnings about traffic.
When you are driving, you have to think not only about your own life, but also about the right to life of all the other people who share the road with you!
In other words, since the lives of other people are in your hands in traffic, you have to respect their right to life.
So, are the only people who must respect your right to life in traffic those who share the road with you?
Of course not!
Those who build the roads for you have a great deal to do here!
THE STATE IS OBLIGED TO ENSURE ROAD SAFETY in a way that respects the right to life of all its citizens!
Let me try to explain what this means with the following questions: How safe do the roads make you feel when you’re out driving?
How many times have you narrowly avoided an accident while trying to dodge potholes in the road?
When navigating dangerous bends, can you see the barriers the state has installed for your safety?
Can you see anything on the roads that you believe was made for your safety?
Does your State, which says it aims to join the EU, know about the “European Road Safety Charter”?
On the roads your State has built for you, how much importance do you think it places on YOUR ROAD SAFETY?
I don’t want to ask any more questions and upset you further!
But there are people I do want to upset by asking questions!
Hey, you officials who build and APPROVE these roads: after fatal accidents, have you ever gone to the area and engaged in any self-reflection?
Have you ever said, “If we had taken … safety measure on this road, this accident wouldn’t have happened”?
How did you sleep that night?
Have you ever held yourselves responsible for those deaths?
Hope to see you on Thursday!
Pay attention to your surroundings, keep them clean, and please be respectful in traffic!
Note: Perhaps you can’t benefit from these in your country, but I still want to remind you of your other “Fundamental Human Rights”: the right to life, the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial, the right to freedom of thought and conscience, the right to freedom of expression, the right to education, and the right to respect for private and family life.