AVOID HAZARDOUS COMBO: DRINKING & DRIVING
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FEATURES: EDUCATION | HEALTH | SOCIAL | SPORTS
f o urt h q uarter I S S U E 2 0 1 8
avoid
hazardous
combo:
Drinking & Driving
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 1
This holiday
CHOOSE LIFE! At holiday time thousands
of people are on the road.
holiday makers going home with
their families
church groups travelling to places
of worship
travellers in transit through the
borders
Take care. Tsamaya sentle.
You are responsible for the lives of all the
people you meet on your journey.
PASSENGERS speak out!
Say no to overloading, drunk driving, fatigue
and speeding.
Stay alert, stay alive. Fatigue is a killer.
Take short rests. Stop often, stretch, walk about,
then continue your journey.
No need for speed. Speed increases the
risk of death or serious injury . If you are not
sure that it is safe to overtake – DON’T.
Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol dulls your
brain and reduces your ability to see danger. It
affects your judgement at the wheel and slows
down your reactions.
Watch out for animals – they don’t
know the rules of the road.
2 MVA | DECEMBER 2018
We would like to take this opportunity
in wishing you a happy Christmas
and a very blissful new year. Looking
forward to seeing you in 2019
» ALERT TODAY – ALIVE TOMORROW.
» LEAVE SOONER, DRIVE SLOWER, LIVE LONGER.
» SAFE DRIVING, SAVES LIVES.
BHCBotswana @BHCBotswana
BHCBotswana www.bhc.bw
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 3
CONTENTS 8 Arrive alive:
Stay in
Control
MVA Fund
11 has right of
recovery
Stop daring
16 behaviours,
stick to safety
How to
invest 25
wisely
Moses leads
49 Botswana
to victory
MVA FUND MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY CREATIVE CONNECTIONS
pty ltd, EXPERTS IN CORPORATE PUBLICATIONS, EG CORPORATE MAGAZINES,
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4 MVA | DECEMBER 2018
Editor’s Note
Keep safe and
enjoy yourself,
responsibly!
T
he festive season is finally here! Almost slept you could still be drunk and over the limit! to take breaks. Always be alert on the road. Our
everyone is thinking of how and where to Drinking alcohol or any intoxicating substance roads are infested with domestic and wild animals
spend the festive celebrations. while driving is dangerous as it will severely both during the day and during night. Rains are
In the process, we inadvertently omit to compromise your concentration level. So just don’t common during this period, if it happens that you
factor in a very important aspect; safety on the road. do it, even that one glass of wine after meal! encounter showers during your trip be careful not
Travel is an inherently a dangerous and risky In the rush to get to your festive destination, you to slip and crash. Drive only when it is reasonably
undertaking especially during this period. It is may be tempted to speed. By over speeding you safe to do so. Watch out for crossing pedestrians
important to keep road safety top of your mind when expose yourself to road carnage. especially when passing through villages situated
planning a trip. Do not forget to include road safety Again, police presence is greater on the roads along the highways. Some of our roads are also
in your holiday to do list! both day and night throughout the festive season, littered with tyre debris from trucks, the tyre pieces
Most if not all holiday destinations involves and a speeding ticket is not likely on your holiday left on the road are equally dangerous as they cause
travelling, and in most cases, by road. It will be wish list. serious injuries or accidents to other motorists if
amiss and inconsiderate of yourself not to properly Don’t be fooled by those who say travelling at you accidentally drives on them. Finally, before you
plan your holiday trip as early as now. night is safe and conducive for speeding owing to undertake your trip check:
There is ample evidence that points to the fact that lack of police presence. • Lights - see and be seen. Keep your
some of the road crashes are a direct consequence So apart from the inherent risk of injury to yourself indicators and headlamps clean and
of inadequate or lack of trip planning. Because of and other road users due to speeding, you also stand working.
this fatal omission to plan our trips, our roads are a very good chance of receiving a speeding ticket. • Fuel - stay out the red! Ensure your have
turned into some motor racing spectacular! Always buckle up. Wearing your seat belt can enough fuel to arrive at your destination.
Plan your journey before you set off and allow reduce your risk of dying in a crash by about half • Windscreen wipers - make sure they’re in
yourself extra time for any eventualities. Always or more. Also, make sure young passengers are working order, your windows are clean.
check weather and traffic safety reports. buckled into appropriate safety seats. • Tyres - check the condition, pressure
Don’t make unnecessary journeys if there are Let’s desist from putting on seatbelt in order to • Brakes - make sure they are working well.
severe weather warnings made or anticipated traffic avoid fines at police road blocks. Seatbelts and • Fluids - are topped up to the correct level,
congestions. Below are some of the things you child restraints are meant for our personal safety and including oil, and water
should consider when undertaking a trip this festive should be worn throughout the journey. • Emergency kit - put one in your car just in
season. Always be prepared. Carry an emergency kit at case you get stranded.
Drunk driving is one of the contributing factors to all times. The kit should include items that would
road crashes and road deaths in Botswana. If you come in handy if you are stranded on the side of the Until we meet again in 2019, please ensure safety
are considering travelling this festive season and road or involved in a vehicle accident. to yourself and other road users, above all enjoy
plan to indulge in a drink or two and get merry, don’t Stay alert on the road and don’t drive when the festive breakto the maximum. Have a Merry
drive. feeling tired. Please dont try to drive when your Christmas and a safe prosperous New Year!
Organise a safe alternative to get home such as a eyes are shutting; you could kill yourself or others if
cab or designated driver who does not drink at all. It you fall asleep. Have turns driving if there is another Mr Thabo Mororotsi
is also a fact that even in the morning after you have licensed person in the vehicle. Stop regularly Corporate Communications Manager MVA Fund
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 5
CEO’S Desk
L
et me welcome you to yet another exciting
and informative issue of your favorite
Magazine, The MVA Fund Today.
It is through your support over the years that
we continue to do our best in enhancing the quality of
life through promotion of road safety, compensation
and rehabilitation of those affected by road crashes.
The festive season is the busiest time of the year
on our roads. This is the time when many people will
be travelling to different destinations to visit friends,
families and loved ones. It is a common cause that
during the holiday period there is an increase in road
crashes. Road users sustain severe injuries and lose
loved ones during this period. The majority of the so
called road crashes are attributable to human error. We
should therefore as road users work hard to change
our behavior on the roads and ensure that we have
peaceful and restful holidays that are accident free.
Preventing road accidents is everybody‘s responsibility
and each one of us has a role to play in that regard.
In the year 2018 the road traffic environment In
Botswana has become scary and worrisome. Our to devise strategies that are aimed at promoting road and traffic safety officials you will encounter along your
roads are becoming bloodbaths and we continue to safety and we need your support to achieve this. We journey.This publication contains very insightful articles
lose active members of the society who contribute urge all road users to be cautious on the road this that will enrich your knowledge especially on road
meaningfully to the economy of our beloved country. coming holiday. It is a fact that these deaths and injuries safety and general topics that affect your life.
Statistics continue to reveal that the male road users are preventable if we all work towards the same goal. Read through the rest of the magazine and let us all
are the most affected by these crashes. Youth aged As a road safety partner we will continue to play remember to do our best to save lives on the roads by
between 18 and 40 years are also the most affected our role by devising strategies aimed at promoting being more vigilant, adhering to road rules and being
category than any other age group. From January 2018 safer road user behavior.As always, we at MVA Fund responsible road users. I wish you an injury-free festive
to the start of the 2nd week of November, we have lost and our road safety partners we will be on the roads to season till we meet again in 2019.
383 lives compared to 362 in 2017 during the same ensure that you remain safe throughout your journey.
period. This escalation in the number of fatalities needs We therefore call upon you to exercise extra caution on Mr Michael Tlhagwane
collective efforts and dedication of all stakeholders the roads and please cooperate with other road users CEO MVA Fund
6 MVA | DECEMBER 2018
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 7
Arrive alive:
Stay in Control
• avoid hazardous combo of drinking and driving
• cases of drivers busted at random roadblocks alarming
C
ampaign against drinking dubbed: Too young to die. is part of an initiative driven by the years-which makes it even more tragic.
and driving continue to be Held during the last quarter of Global Alliance Advocate to sensitise Thousands of people in Botswana
the summit message for road the year, the workshops sought to youth on hazards on the road. do it,” said Maatla Otsogile, SORSA
safety crusades. highlight that alcohol and driving is a “Despite education and enforcement Coordinator.
With a lot of millennial now owning deadly combination that can turn an initiatives, drinking and driving remains The workshops also equipped
cars and driving on national roads, the ordinary vehicle into a weapon of mass a serious problem in Botswana. students with enough knowledge to run
Society of Road Safety Ambassadors destruction. “This isn’t a new problem-we have awareness campaigns on their campus
(SORSA) this year hosted workshops Supported by MVA Fund, the project all known and tried to ignore it for in the future.
SEE NEXT PAGE
8 MVA | DECEMBER 2018
Fouche Motors Gaborone the most recent and trendy car outdoors as well as a wonderful family transporter.
showroom offers best ambiance for a potential vehicle The four-wheel-drive system has three main settings – 2H
purchaser. rear-wheel drive for when one is on the road, 4H (4WD
Selling pre-owned cars mostly, the showroom with an high range) for off-roading and 4L (4x4 low range) for
exotic outdoor display guarantees the best deals in town. seriously heavy work.
One of the vehicles the dealer has in the stock and is excited And also there’s a rear axle lock diff for increased traction
to sell to customer is the Ford Ranger 3.2TSCI Wildtrack. and hill descent control among other driver aids and safety
UK media outlet Daily Record in a review said the Ford features.Indications are that the Ranger had no problem
Ranger 3.2TSCI Wildtrack is for real hard work and brilliant ploughing up and down heavily pot-holed lanes in slippy
load lugging capacity, you cannot beat Ford’s Wildtrak, conditions, the heavy-duty 18in alloys and suspension
home on the range, the road and the ploughed field. set-up coping with the lumps and bumps. The Wildtrak
Bring it closer to home, those with Moraka would love its looks the part, too, with titanium-effect front-grille, rear step
wild character as described and the plush like a car inside, bumper and door and tailgate handles, moulded side steps
comfortable, and with plenty of tech give it a plus. with brushed finish metallic inserts, aluminium-finish roof
The Ford Ranger can be both a real workhorse in the great rails and an aero-dynamic sports bar.
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 9
Stay in Control
FROM page 8
The initiative targets to mobilise and educate 2500
youth on drink and driving, advocate for serious
enforcement and reduction in drinking and driving
cases by 2020.
Otsogile said the number of drinking and driving
cases detected in Botswana is worrisome citing that
in 2015 there were 4882 cases of drunk drivers which
caused 631 crashes.
In 2016 there were 4433 cases detected of which
593 crashes were registered.
Otsogile said for a country with a small population,
the numbers are disturbing, adding that the cases
detected were from random road blocks, not done all
the time.
Festive season road safety tips
Though the Botswana Road Traffic Act does not
allow anyone to drive or attempt to when the alcohol
content in their breath or blood is in excess of the
T
prescribed limit.
The breath alcohol limit is 0.22mg/1000ml for
standard drivers and 0.11mg/1000ml for public he festive season is the busiest time on the enough time to react in case of an emergency.
transport drivers. roads and usual notorious period for road Always check your blind spot before changing lanes,
Otsogile bemoaned that many individuals ignore the accidents that often result in fatalities. even when driving on a road that seems deserted.
statutory requirements. A high number of these accidents are When approaching a railway crossing, always slow
“Just because you made it home safely to your bed mostly attributed to drunk and driving, speed, reckless down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Stay
does not mean that you’re making a right decision. driving and aggressive driving. alert and keep an eye on what is happening around
“When putting those keys in the ignition and driving As one moves around town preparing for the you.
away after drinking you are putting your life at risk,” said festivities, it’s important to keep road safety at the top of
Otsogile your mind. Road users are urged to be more cautious THINGS TO AVOID WHILE DRIVING:
SORSA warned that it is not just the drunk drivers who on the roads during and save lives. Never drink and drive, statistics indicate that a
are in danger, alluding that hundreds of passengers Here are a few friendly tips to ensure your festive high number of road crashes in Botswana are alcohol
and pedestrians of all ages have their lives devastated season is a safe one. related.
every year by someone else’s drinking and driving. Never drive while using your cell phone, this will
Tlhabano Mmusi, the Injury Prevention Manager at BEFORE YOUR TRIP: distract you and cause a lapse in concentration. Rather
Motor vehicle Accident Fund also warned that there are Plan your trips in advance. This allows you time to install a hands free kit in your car.
limitations to the benefits provided to those involved in decide which roads to use and can help you avoid high Always rest when feeling tired; there is no point in
road crashes while under the influence alcohol. accident zones if possible; trying to make your journey at record time. Please stop
Mmusi said the Act stipulates that driver’s benefits Have your car serviced by a qualified service and take a rest every two hours or 200 kilometres.
for loss of income is reduced by 50 percent if alcohol mechanic to avoid breakdown during the trip; If your visibility is compromised at night, avoid
level exceeds prescribed limit. Make sure your windscreen is not damaged; this driving at after sunset, especially when there are
In addition, Mmusi said the loss of income is also includes cracks that can obstruct your view whilst storms or heavy rains.
reduced by 50 percent for a passenger who was aware driving; Never disobey road signs.
of driver’s drunken state. Ensure that your wiper blades are fully functional. Be on the lookout for obstructions like potholes or
Mmusi warned that the MVA Fund has the right to sue If worn out, replace them before you start the journey; animals, which often stray into the road, especially in
for recovery of benefits in the case of drunken drivers. Check the quality of your tyres and If worn out, rural areas and highways.
Though statistics also points to other causes of please replace them; Never overload your car with passengers or goods,
car crashes, Samuel Apau, Biostatistician and Senior Make sure your headlights work properly and offer this will only slow your vehicle down and cause traffic
Lecturer at Boitekanelo College reiterated that drinking good visibility. disruptions.
and driving remains one of the leading causes of car
crashes among the youth. ON THE ROAD YOU SHOULD: Make road safety your priority during the festive
“Yes, though alcohol is not a primary cause of road Ensure you and passengers wear safety belts from season. Enjoy your accident free holidays!
crashes, it is a principal contributor. all the time;
“We need to call a spade a spade and deal with this Obey all road traffic signs and drive within the REFERENCE
issue head on before we lose a lot of innocent lives. recommended speed limit -driving too fast or too slowly h t t p s : / / w w w. a r r i v e a l i v e . c o . z a
Research is critical,” said Apau. can be a potential hazard. / R o a d - Safety-Tips-for-the-Festive-Season-from-
Apau challenged the nation to venture into research Keep a safe following distance, this will give you ArriveAlivecoza
and find out the problem and bring the right solutions
which are evidence based.
“We need to scratch where it itches, lest we waste
resources in interventions that are not impactful.”
Sharing facts on alcohol, Caro Smit, South Africans
against Drunk Driving (SADD) said the safest driving
rule is zero alcohol in the body.
She said youth should desist from peer pressure
and also never let friends or anyone drive drunk. Do
whatever is necessary.
“Just don’t let them drive! Think ahead. Have another
guest, take them home. Call a taxi. Ask them to stay the
night. But don’t let them drive if they seem impaired.
That’s your legal and moral obligation,” said Smit.
SORSA is yet to do bar campaigns to scale up the
peer to peer education in bars and clubs frequented
by youth in Gaborone in a bid to raise awareness on
drinking and driving.
10 MVA | DECEMBER 2018MVA Fund has right of recovery
By MASARIRO RUGARA terms of Section 30 of the MVA Fund Act of 2007, the • The driver was driving a defective motor vehicle
I
Fund is authorised to recover any monies paid out as and such defect caused or contributed to the
t is that time of the year again; jolly mood is compensation to accident victims where it is proved cause of the vehicle accident;
in the air! Road trips are being planned and that: • The driver was driving a stolen motor vehicle
families are preparing to gather once again. knowing, or ought to have known that it was
This is the most favoured season of all. It is a time • The driver was driving a motor vehicle under the stolen,
to exchange gifts, drink, eat and indeed MAKE MERRY, influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs to such • Being the owner, custodian or lawful possessor
because of this palpable excitement people tend to an extent as to be incapable of having proper of the motor vehicle, permitted the vehicle to be
throw caution to the wind and comport themselves control of the vehicle; driven in any circumstances set out in paragraphs
recklessly on the roads. • The driver was driving the motor vehicle 1-5 above.
As the MVA Fund, it behoves us to encourage safe recklessly;
driving behaviour this Christmas season. Therefore, • The driver was driving the motor vehicle without a That being said, let us all care to be responsible
the driving public is advised and cautioned under valid driver’s license; users of the roads. See you in 2019!
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 11Significance of
stakeholder relationships
By ABRAM NTSHIPING stakeholder relationships can be developed at all stakeholders including Botswana Police, DRTS, Youths
C
levels including national, regional and locally, the idea Clubs, Schools etc. within Francistown and surrounding
harged with the broader responsibility is it always beneficial to have allies in our corner. The areas with efforts geared towards promotion of road
to promote road safety, compensate and advantages that these relationships can bring to an safety.
rehabilitate all victims of road traffic organization include; Stakeholders such as employers, businesses and
crashes, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is Increase in the organizational effectiveness which parents are primary stakeholders for interventions
committed to create clear and open communication will result in more effective and efficient practice and and road safety education aimed at young people.
with its stakeholders. high quality policy input Employers want a fit, healthy and happy workforce,
The Fund is particular with having an impact on the Enhancement in the two way communication skills therefore engaging such stakeholders can make
organisation’s mission, performance and objectives. and better understanding on both sides and thereby young people want to achieve beyond school and find
Consequently, the organisation identifies the bridges the cultural gaps. employment hence support them to be good drivers.
community of citizens who should benefit from the It develops a culture of innovation and learning Moreover, engaging parents allows them to follow up
safest roads and the most environmentally friendly It simplifies the conflict resolution through building on our initiatives and continue to underline messages
rehab facilities as important stakeholders. trust, and a clearer articulation of what cannot be with their children and encourage safe driving
Johnson, Scholes, & Whittington believes resolved. behaviour.
stakeholder relations refers to a practice of forging
mutually beneficial connections with third party groups STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT ON ROAD SAFETY STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT ON DECISION MAKING
and individuals that have a stake in common interests. The stakeholder engagement always provides MVA Fund engages Sowa District Council Heads of
The two notes that these relationships build opportunities to further align business practices with Departments and Councillors.
networks that develop credible, united voices about community needs and expectations aiding to drive long
issues, products and services that are important to an term sustainability. REFERENCE
organization. However, stakeholder involvement must take place if http://www.afd-ld.org/-handicap-csr/2_partners.htm
Therefore, it is vital to know what variables contribute the organization truly needs the inputs from the people Bourne, L. (2009, September 22). Who is a Stakeholder?
to the success of the relationships with stakeholder involved in the business for decision making or project Retrieved March 20, 2011, from Project Management
groups that may have an effect on the organization’s implementation. Institute:
strategic actions. As already indicated above, MVA Fund is mandated
to promote road safety to reduce rate of road carnage Corporation, I. F. (2007). Stakeholder Engagement:
IMPORTANCE OF STAKEHOLDERS in our country. A Good Practice Handbook for Companies Doing
I guess the question to ask is who should be a Therefore it is imperative to engage relevant Business in Emerging Markets. Washington:
stakeholder? Basically, everyone can be a stakeholder stakeholders constructively and empower them with International Finance Corporation.
whether you operate in the financial sector, healthcare, initiatives and ideas that road safety education can
education sector or you are a nonprofit making entity make a difference. Friedman, A. L., & Miles, S. (2006). Stakeholders:
but more importantly our clientele. The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund through the Theory and Practice. New York: Oxford University
Depending on the scope of our organization, Francistown branch, enjoys the support of different Press.
12 MVA | DECEMBER 2018Inspire Tomorrow,Today
Vacancies
Botswana Open University mandate is to make education accessible to all especially
for the out of school youth and adults using Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodology.
Post Graduate Programmes
REGISTER WITH US 1. Master of Education – Educational Leadership (M.Ed. – EL)
2. Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration
School Equivalency Programmes (CEMBA)
1. Junior Certificate (JC) 3. Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CEMPA)
2. Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) 4. Post Graduate Certificate in Practitioner Research and Evaluation
Skills Training in Open and Distance Learning (PREST )
Certificate Programmes 5. Post Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance in Education (PGCQA)
1. Certificate in English for Professional Purposes (EPP)
2. Certificate in Small Scale Business Management (SSBM) Short Courses
3. Certificate in Interactive Communication for Industry (ICI) 1. Customer Care Level1
4. Certificate in Microsoft Office Suite (CMOS) 2. Financial Management for Non-Profit Making Organisations Level 2
5. Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (CIPS) 3. Public Relations Level 2
6. Certificate for Distance Education Practitioners (CDEP) 4. Curriculum Design Level 1
7. Certificate in Disaster Management (CDM) 5. Developing Entrepreneurial Skills Level 1
8. Certificate in Community Based Work With Children and Youth 6. Leadership Level 3
(CCBWCY) 7. Strategic Planning Level 3
9. Certificate in Vocational Education and Training (CVET ) 8. Social Marketing Level 3
9. Training of Trainers Level 3
Diploma Programmes 10. Principles of Project Management Level 3
1. Diploma in Business Management (DBM) 11. Human Resources Development Level 3
2. Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHRM) 12. Human Resources Management Level 3
3. Diploma in Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) 13. Transformational Leadership Level 3
14. Taxation Level 3
Undergraduate Programmes 15. Business Communication Level 3
1. Bachelor of Commerce (HRM and Industrial Relations) 16. Business Law Level 3
2. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship (BBE) 17. Economics 1 Level 3
3. Bachelor of Business Administration - Leadership and Change 18. Economics 2 Level 3
Management 19. Principles of Marketing Level 2
4. Bachelor of Education – Primary (B.Ed. – Primary) 20. Business Statistics Level 3
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(BEIECD) 22. Labour Relations Level 2
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Our Contacts
HQ: 3646000, Gaborone: 3646150, Palapye: 4924024,
Kang: 6517248, Francistown: 2418383, Maun: 6865621
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Western Bye-Pass, Garamotlhose Junction, Plot 39972, Block 6, Gaborone, Botswana
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MVA | DECEMBER 2018 13avoid hazardous combo: Drinking & Driving 14 MVA | DECEMBER 2018
By MOMPATI BONTSIBOKAE
I
t is a well-known fact that alcohol, as a stimulant is the mostly
used recreational drug worldwide in most social functions
for entertainment. Relationships have been started over
alcohol, and great ideas have been shared over some wine.
However, one needs to understand that alcohol has other
detrimental effects particularly on one’s ability to drive properly. It
has been scientifically proven through numerous studies that alcohol
is not only a stimulant but a powerful depressant drug.
Driving involves rapid reaction to various situations that may be
hazardous depending on how such situations present themselves. An
example of such could be a pedestrian crossing the road, an animal,
mechanical fault, just to mention a few. These driving eventualities
directly confront the human ability to process information, which is
generally divided into three main stages:
• Stimulus identification (perception)
• Response selection (cognition)
• Response execution (motor process)
Research has revealed that alcohol slows down information
processing. As a powerful depressant drug, alcohol slows down the
brain functions, affecting the brain’s ability to make proper judgments
and process information. It has been discovered, regarding the first
stage of information processing, that alcohol negatively affects the
brain’s control of eye movements.
In safe driving, one has to observe and track an object as it moves
along or into the road while at the same time keeping track of the
movement of his vehicle.
This concentration is lost when one has taken some alcohol
depending on the amount and many other factors. It is obvious
that once perception is affected, cognition or response selection –
making a split-second decision, would also be affected.
Since alcohol slows down brain functions, it negatively affects
reaction time hence compromises response execution. It is worth-
noting that since driving involves speed, the time one takes to react
to a hazard is of essence.
According to a study in the April 2004 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical
& Experimental Research, it was found that alcohol impairs the
cognitive functioning even when the motor functioning appears to be
normal. This is the most deceptive part which has led to many road
crashes. When you feel physically stable after taking alcohol, it does
not mean that your brain function is equally stable.
The following are important facts about alcohol and driving
according to Alcohol and Driving Book – Department of Transport
– Western Australia:
• If you drink alcohol and drive, you are likely to find it difficult to:
• judge the speed of your vehicle
• judge the distance between your car and other cars
• notice traffic lights, pedestrians and other hazards
• concentrate on the task of driving
keep your balance, especially if you are riding a motorcycle
stay awake when you are driving, and React appropriately to
things going on around you, particularly if an unexpected hazard
should suddenly appear.
Alcohol also gives you a false sense of confidence. You may take
more risks than you normally would – but remember, alcohol slows
down your reaction time to hazards: you may not even react at all.
Please, DON’T DRINK and DRIVE or else you risk DRIVING
DRUNK!
REFERENCE
World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention Information- retrieved
from.http://www1.paho.org/hq/dmdocuments/2011/World%20
Report%20on%20Road%20Traffic%20Injury%20Prevention.pdf
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 15Stop daring behaviours, stick to safety
By MAATLA OTSOGILE* One Saturday, I took a combi to Tlokweng and almost didn’t make it home. Just 15
T
minutes after leaving the rank I was already wondering whether my funeral policy was
his article is not by any means intended to ruffle any feathers or to pass up to date. The driver was homicidal. First of all, he was colour blind; green, amber
any blame on public transport operators. and red all looked the same to him. And so we endured continuous hoots and near
I bear no malice towards you and I have no intentions of releasing my misses at all intersections.
frustrations on you. In fact I respect you, I salute you for the mammoth work With every near miss, I thought about how I would be found injured!
you do of transporting thousands of people daily to their various destinations. Bleeding! Worse, I would have paid a whole P4.00 for my trip to the grave. That was
Every morning you wake up and leave your family to take us to work, school, the fare every single soul in that combi was charged to gamble with their lives.
shops, home and wherever we want to and come back home late when everyone As if to ensure that the trip absolutely felt like our last, he played local gospel music,
is asleep. loud enough for it to sink in. I alighted from that combi mid-way to my destination,
Such back-breaking work with little reward - the hours are long, most of them gospel choruses still ringing in my head and my heart sitting at the base of my neck.
spent sitting. The pay can be awful; if you don’t make enough in a night to pay the It doesn’t end there! I was almost rear ended the other day by a bus because I
permit or taxi owner and petrol, you might go home with zero pula or, worse, owe the stopped for pedestrians to cross at a zebra crossing. I was so scared that I was going
owner money. to die that day in my small car.
And then, on top of all that, there are the people, us customers. Some enter the The list goes on, recently I saw a combi full of students skipping a red light. I
car without greeting you, only to frantically bark orders or complain. They drop food, couldn’t believe what was happening before my very eyes.
crumbs and dirt in your taxi, eat while you drive them and leave the smell—and let When you graduate at UB, Boitekanelo College, or whatever tertiary institution,
you deal with all that in the end! your life is supposed to begin, not end. Sadly this was not the case for one of my
What a spectrum of humanity you deal with! I know weekends are the worst, where friends, Moemedi. He died right on the spot when a bus he was on was involved in a
some commuters are so drunk that they vomit in the car, fall asleep, or don’t even head on collision due to over speeding and overtaking inappropriately. This left the
know where they are going. Anyway this is a topic for another day. community in shock. No one ever would have thought that the fun-loving, intelligent
I am growing increasingly concerned about the behavior of drivers these days. guy that we had just graduated with would be killed a few hours after his graduation
There are plenty of terrible driving habits in Botswana, but one of the most suicidal by a reckless bus driver. Moemedi left behind countless family members and friends
and daring one I have observed is by public transport operators .You have very little who still have not been able to cope with his death.
regard for any road regulations, which make you worse than any driver in the road. I’m not going to bore you with my stories of woe but there are many. The sad reality
I know it’s not just taxis, every race/gender/background has people that think is that it is not just the reckless public transport drivers lives whose lives are at risk but
the law doesn’t apply to them. So complaining about taxi drivers is a bit like the pot hundreds of passengers and pedestrians of all ages have their lives shattered every
calling the kettle. year by a reckless public transport operator.
But in this letter my focus is on transport operators. There just seem to be some In conclusion borra le bomma are boeleng marakanelong.Are chencheng.A re
level of tolerability when you break road traffic regulations. It seems normal these itseyeng tsia,re tsee le bapalami ba rona tsia.Re tshwerwe matshelo a batho ka diatla
days to see a taxi or combi stopping anywhere or turning wherever and whenever. tsa rona.Ke boikarabelo jo bogolo.
Sometimes even in front of traffic police officers!! You do as you please and it has Be aware of the other road users around you, be aware of the environment around
become normal and acceptable that you don’t comply with the law. Is it because you you, and most of all be aware of yourself while you are driving. This may seem like an
feel you own the road? advert sponsored by some company to drive safe but guess what, it is not.
A taxi driver can cut in front of you and when you confront him the entire taxi rank Sometimes it’s easy to put the blame on someone else or bend driving rules
will be on your case. You have complete disregard for safety and the value of human because we think that “oh it’s only for this one time”. Well we have to remember, one
life. You have adopted a lawlessness mindset. I think part of the problem is that not time is all it takes.
only do you think that accidents won’t happen to you but you also think that no one Let us remain committed to doing all that we can to prevent the pointless tragedies
will catch you. You do not have the maturity or integrity to accept that you are still on our roads.
committing a crime even when not caught. Let the death of those lost in road crashes not be in vain! Let their deaths open our
Surely all these lawlessness and recklessness is punishable by law. But, this does eyes to protect those who are living! And to protect the future of this country!
not seem to stop you. You drive up and down the roads like it is a Toyota Desert race.
But, did you ever stop and think about who you could potentially be hurting? Did you *Maatla Otsogile Society of Road Safety Ambassadors, can be contacted at sorsa.
ever stop and think, wow I could seriously hurt or even kill someone, or even myself, ub@gmail.com
by driving like this? If not, it is time you’ve begun.
16 MVA | DECEMBER 2018MVA | DECEMBER 2018 17
ELEVEN
tips for safe
I
t is that time of the year again, the Festive
season!
A time filled with celebrations, enjoyment, and
high spirits across the nation. It is also a time that
is very easy for one to get carried away because of the
festive mood and end up over indulging in substances.
This often causes undesired consequences and turns
what could have been a December to remember, ends
in a tragic time that you wish to forget. We all want
to have a good time but it starts with being safe and
making the season safe for those around us.
Here are some tips on how you can enjoy the holidays safer.
• If you are going to drink alcohol then you
should also drink plenty of water before,
during and after a drinking session to avoid
dehydration.
• Make sure that you have a full meal before
drinking so that alcohol is absorbed slower in
the body.
• Do not compete with friends or relatives on
how much alcohol you can take, this could
lead to alcohol poisoning.
• Avoid (drinking a lot of alcohol) trying to catch
up with drinking friends if they started drinking
before you, this can lead to blacking out.
• Take your drink in sips rather than gulps and
take short breaks between each drink.
• If you are drinking and you need to travel
designate a sober driver to make sure that you
arrive safely and avoid accidents.
• Do not give alcoholic beverages to minors
(persons under the age of 18).
• Always make sure that you do not leave
your drink unattended if you have to visit the
restroom or whenever you to leave the room
rather take it with you to avoid being drugged.
• If you are a parent travelling with your family,
remember that you have to be a responsible
parent and a role model by not drinking and
driving or using other substances.
• Try something new and plan activities that can
be enjoyed without taking alcohol or any other
substance.
• The festive season might act as a trigger if
you are recovering from substance abuse
therefore be aware of places where you know
you might be tempted to use; if possible, be in
the company of people who you know will not
encourage the use of drugs or alcohol.
Remember that you are very important, everything
begins with you, take care, eat healthy, and exercise.
Make it a December to Remember!
If you, a family member or friend have a problem
dealing with substance abuse, please contact
BOSASNet to speak to a counsellor. BOSASNet
services are professional and strictly confidential. You
can find us on Face book. Tel: 3959119/3913490, Cell:
72659891.
BOSASNet wishes our valued clients and friends
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Kindly
note that our offices closes from the 21st December
2017 and we will be open for services on the 15th
January 2018.
18 MVA | DECEMBER 2018holidays
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 19Avoid second hand tyres
By MOMPATI BONTSIBOKAE
T
hat time of the year which is normally characterised by excitement and heightened mobility is here once again. Critical
to note is that the same comes with increased exposure to the risk of road crashes.
Festive season is full of stories - some good and some bad. It is around festive that we usually record escalating road
crashes resulting in serious injuries and loss of lives. But there are basics that one needs to appreciate and do to
minimize chances of the undesirable eventualities.
One such essential is to ensure that your tyres are roadworthy and safe. Here are some tips on tyres:
Keep your tyres in a good condition and. Sub-standard tyres:
• Compromise vehicle stability
• Increase stopping distance
• Affect tyre traction/grip
• Increase aquaplaning (slipping on wet surface)
• Lead to tyre burst
• Result in loss of vehicle control
How to keep your tyres safe:
• Inflate your tyres properly – avoid low pressure or too much tyre pressure.
• Maintain or service your vehicle suspension system or components
• Check your tyres for any abnormalities and replace where necessary to avoid burst
Most of the tyres coming with imported vehicles are aged and not compatible with Botswana weather. Please avoid second
hand tyres at all cost, you may be buying your grave!
Note that the most common type of tyre-burst crashes are rollover or head-on collision and the consequences are devastating.
Keep your tyres safe – they will safely take you places!
20 MVA | DECEMBER 2018Public Notice
We refer to a Water Utilities Corporation (WUC)
How to to
advertisement
WUC poised calculate
published
introduce onyour
pagewater6 of thebill
Property Section of Botswana Guardian dated
prepaid meters
Worked example for 45 Kilolitres (KLS) refer to water bill
19th April 2013 and other local publications
Potable Water
First 5Kls @ 3.50 17.50
VAT @12%
0
Total
17.50
thereafter, designed in-house by the Botswana
Next 10 Kls @ 10.40
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104.00
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Next 10Kls ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam182.00
12.48
erat volutpat. Ut wisis 21.84
enim ad
116.48
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Guardian, the advertisement promotes the use of
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Next 15Kls @ 28.00 420.00 ut aliquip 470.40
Above
ex 40Kls @consequat.
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5Kls) 175.00
te feugi facilisi. Duis 21.00in
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Total 898.50 105.72 1,004.22
non-potable water intothe construction sector.
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We refer a Water Utilities Corporation (WUC)
Wastewater
on VATevelecu
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anducit 0.65 advertisement published on page 6 of3.64
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First 5Kls
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verum fuga. Neque nonsecae eari the
Next 10utKls @ 2.60
Property Section of Botswana Guardian
26.00 3.12 29.12
dated
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While the advertisement
Next 10Kls
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@ 3.90
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4.68 ut
quaes ant audites endandictati
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sed quibusame exceatur? 9.36
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43.68
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building,
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under
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by the200.20
Botswana
we wish to put it
Guardian, on record
the that
advertisement both Botswana
promotes the use of
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To to tet laborit autet molor molupta doloruptium idebis doloreh endaes sed ulparum harunt optur?
Total Bill VAT @ 12% Total
non-potable water inquuntiorem the construction sector.
Guardian and WUC did not suggest that City
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Potable
mos apient,Charge 898.50
sectus rerovit, ipsande nihitium aut eribust iumque nonectotatem in rest, num105.72 1,004.22
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Wastewater
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ut laboria tquissi consequae 200.20
Scapes does not
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1,204.42
restrictions onbuilding,
the usagewhich is
ofcurrently
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water.
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WATER UTILITIES CORPORATION TARIFFS
EFFECTIVE 1 APRIL 2017
we wish to put it on record that both Botswana
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DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL
consequate intores tiaecto quia con&pligniet
INDUSTRIAL
ipit eictinc taspis ut aut re, cumqui doluptatem.
DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
POTABLE WATER TARIFFS Guardian and WUC did not suggest that City
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WASTEWATER TARIFFS
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dolutWe wish
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Category Revised Tariff 1st Revised Tariff 1st Category Revised Tariff 1st Revised Tariff 1st
restrictions on the usage of potable water.
volorrovitae voloreium repelenda iur asi cum ipsapid moloreicil eosam, ut lam non repudae dolestent
April 2017 (Pula) April 2017 (Pula) April 2017 (Pula) April 2017 (Pula)
Directors and any other interested parties who
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Minimum Charge 0 0 Minimum Charge 0 0
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0-5 KL ** 3.50 3.92 0-5 KL volo 0.65 0.73
might be inconvenienced by the advertisement.
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>5-15 KL 10.40 cumet vel id que magni 11.65
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We wish to apologise
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>25-40
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28.00 Directors and any other interested parties who
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eatibusam recaerumque parum endebitem ius ut facerovid et escita ium quam doluptatem ratur?
et inulpar chilibus delignihit qui aut et
**optat.
DOMESTIC CONSUMERS ONLY - First 5KL exempt from VAT
Toll free number 0800 555 555
GABORONE HEAD OFFICE SEDIBENG HOUSE
MVA
Toll | DECEMBER
free number2018080021
facebook.com/waterutilities 555 555
facebook.com/waterutilities
Plot 17530, Luthuli Road P Bag 00276, Gaborone
website: www.wuc.bw
Tel: 399 2500 | Toll Free No. 0800 555 555 | Email: contactcentre@wuc.bw website: www.wuc.bw
waterutilities www.wuc.co.bw 16299TAIL GATING: Growing
By MAATLA OTSOGILE* because it makes me feel unsafe and puts the roads where there is traffic lights.
W
me and other driver in unnecessary danger. It’s more common that the ones that passed you
hat’s wrong with drivers these days? meet you at those lights. They have done nothing
Almost every single time I drive around What do these people really want? Do they want me more then put themselves and other drivers at risk.
Gaborone, I always get people riding to go faster? If I’m going 60km/hr in a 60km/hr zone,
an inch away from my rear bumper! you can tailgate me all you want I’m not going to go There are many opinions on why drivers tailgate.
They’re so close I can’t even see their headlights! any faster risking myself a charge, or increasing my But there doesn’t seem to be much in the line of hard
The other thing I find annoying is that I leave a good risk of an accident just to get you off my back. It’s even research that would cast some light on this particular
stopping distance between myself and the car in front a shame that in a country where some roads permit kind of driving behaviour.
only for the gap to be filled by an overtaking driver you to do 120km/hr there is a guy still 1m on your rear Several experts queried in preparation for this article
whose first reaction is to slow down! bumper! admitted that, while they know of research dealing with
I am forced to slow down even more to re-establish What of the ones who tailgate and flash their high- tailgating behaviour in general, they could not bring to
a good gap. This pressurises drivers behind me to beams at you when you’re already within the speed limit mind any specific research into why individual drivers
overtake me only for the same cycle to happen again. and in the slow-lane, even though there are two wide- do it.
The funny thing is I don’t instigate this. open lanes on their right because they believe you Even GM Senior Researcher Leonard Evans, author
I usually go within the speed limit. I’m never lagging should be the one to move and make room for them. of Traffic Safety and the Driver , a book that has been
behind causing a traffic jam nor do I speed beyond the Crazy, isn’t it! referred to as the bible of traffic safety research,
speed limit. I try my best to not to be an idiot on the Even worse some even go to the extent of tailgating a seems to have little more than opinion to offer on
road. I’m more polite on the road than I am in person. learner who may be on their first driving lesson and could the topic of why drivers adopt a tactic in traffic that
I won’t cut anyone off, ever, nor will I ever tailgate. I’ll panic and hit the brakes at any moment?!!Tailgating is is not only dangerous, but also has several tactical
always let people pass if I am in the position to do so. deplorable. It’s unsafe, unnecessary, and universally disadvantages.”
But it just blows my mind that instead of going frowned upon .Yet somehow, we’ve all found ourselves Why do drivers choose to follow so closely? It seems
past me, these people will be bumper to bumper with in this situation. to me that it becomes largely a driving habit, rather
me. After a while, if they don’t stop, what I will do is slow Why do people tail gate? Do they even know what than a reasoned conscious behaviour,” Evans writes.
to an absolute crawl until they finally decide it’s better a safe distance is? Am I the only getting annoyed with “Drivers appear to do many things for their own benefit
to pass me. When they finally do pass, I don’t speed up them? rather than for any utility benefit.”
to block them or anything like that. I just want them off I hate tailgaters. I have many times been tempted to He goes on to suggest that, in some cases, it may
my back. Lo and behold, they’ll always give me an evil pull back hard on the emergency brake, which will not be done as criminal behaviour that’s indulged in for its
eye as if I wronged them somehow. apply the brake lights, and let them hit me. Ever since own sake.
Whatever, it takes a lot to rile me up. The getting my driver’s licence I have been totally ignoring Evans also suggests that the lack of speed
only reason this bothers me as much as it does tailgaters. Funny that this is common in Gaborone on difference between vehicles allows drivers to feel safe.
22 MVA | DECEMBER 2018menace on our roads
This, and the fact that crashes are rare events and that
drivers can get away with tailgating, makes drivers
complacency. The complacent tailgater knows
tailgating is dangerous. They also know they may hit
Palapye to Gaborone during night time, there was a
Honda Fit following pretty close behind me while I was
complacent about the danger. “They have learned from the vehicle in front of them if it suddenly stops. They sitting around 110km/h, I slowed down to ~80km/h to
repeated experience that it is safe to do so, in the sense have probably been tailgating for years but have never get him/her to pass as there was no oncoming traffic
that they have been doing it for years without adverse actually crashed. This leads to them not worrying but they would just follow me (closely) at the reduced
consequences,” he writes. about the risks of tailgating, a complacency which speed. I sped up to 120km/h a couple of times, but they
TYPES OF TAILGATERS will continue until the inevitable crash happens. I have would do the same. Couldn’t really understand back
The first type of tailgater is a driver who isn’t thinking a friend who tailgates all the time. It’s not that he’s in then, until I met a family friend who drives exactly like
about what could happen if the vehicle in front of them a hurry but because it has caught on as a habit. He that, because she was uncomfortable driving at night
decides to brake for some reason. They may know knows it’s a bad habit and is trying to break it. My point when there’s no road lights around and instead prefers
tailgating is dangerous, but their mind is so distracted is that for many people, it’s just a habit and sometimes to follow very close behind another car and use that as
when driving that they don’t consider their current they really don’t mean to pressure the car in front of a ‘guide’... (and to keep the stereotype alive, she drives
situation. When the vehicle in front of them brakes them. a black Honda Fit and has no situation awareness at
suddenly, the tailgater simply runs into them. I attended There is the aggressive tailgater. These drivers all lol) once I saw how she drove and her reasoning
a course on personality types. Most of the time people know full well they are tailgating, understand they are behind it, that encounter made more sense for me
that tailgate live in the Now. They don’t think ahead to in a potentially dangerous situation, but they tailgate I further did a bit of research on tailgating and what
the What-if scenarios. (applies to everything in life; not anyway. Their purpose in most cases is to intimidate people in Botswana and globally thought of this;
just driving) the driver in front of them; to either speed up or move “I wish they would stop this tailgating foolishness. I
There is also the ignorant tailgater. Some drivers out of the way. Since they are aware of the dangers of am a professional driver and need my license, it’s my
may not have any clue tailgating is dangerous and they tailgating, they may try to stay ready for sudden braking bread and butter. Lesedi
tailgate other vehicles all the time. Of course, when a in front of them and pay close attention to their driving “In my 30+ years of driving experience I find that
vehicle in front of them does unexpectedly brake, they while tailgating. Still, they may crash into other vehicles most tailgaters do so because the car in front is in fact
crash into them and have no idea how they contributed because they are following too closely. They are the preventing them from passing and going faster. So if
to the crash. This type of tailgaters just don’t realise “get out of my way” tailgaters, flying up, then moving you find that you are frequently being tailgated then
what they are doing. They might be daydreaming, left and right to fill the mirrors. This is road rage at its you should take an objective look at your driving or ask
thinking about what they will do when they get to work/ finest, and its intimidation. someone else.” Patrick
home/shops, or mums watching the baby in the mirror, There is the excuse tailgater; these drivers tend to “Just move out of the way and let them pass. It is
or yelling at the kids to get their feet of the back of the have specific reason for their tail gating. They may be nothing personal, they just want to go faster, so let
seats. Basically their driving brain is switched off, and in a hurry to a meeting or to a function and just do it them. Share the road. How difficult is that?” Tshepo
everything else is on. for a particular reason. A good example I can think of
Another very common tailgating problem concerns regarding this tailgater was when driving back from
See page 34
MVA | DECEMBER 2018 23You can also read
