My eyes scan the room falling upon the anxious faces of somebody’s loved ones. I witness their anxiety mirrored on my face. There are five patients in the room. On my right lies a motionless man. He was the driver of a car that overturned and killed his assistant. His loved one sits caressing his head. Close to the entrance is a man asleep hyperventilating with his hands clasped by a female loved one.
He is a victim of a hit and run and by the looks of things, his days seem numbered. On my left is my own eighty year-old beloved uncle with a broken pelvic bone and a sandbag strapped to his right foot weighing it down to keep him from moving it. He was hit by a taxi driver and abandoned before he could receive medical attention. In a bed next to him rests another man who was also in a car accident.
I enjoy driving most days. But these days in Addis the few times that I drive, I do so in paranoia and travel as a passenger with unease. Impatience and aggressiveness on the roads has long been a trademark of the city but nowadays either I have become slow or there seems to be a “crazy” spreading around to get “there” faster.
A month ago I witnessed a man run for his life leaving behind him someone’s loved one laying on the road surrounded by a swarm of people screaming. A few weeks back someone I know was in an accident, instantly killing his loved one who sat next to him in the passenger seat. Days ago I heard of a young girl punished with a 15 year imprisonment for running over and killing someone’s loved one as he crossed the pedestrian walk. And today a friend of mine tells me her co-worker lost her father – her loved one – to a traffic accident.
According to the Department of Forensic Pathology at Menelik II Hospital, from the 200 autopsies conducted in 2006, 80% of injury related deaths are due to automobile related accidents. That is a staggering figure. Even more staggering is that Ethiopia has the highest per capita rate of car fatalities in the world with 190 deaths per 10,000 vehicles. With a vehicle population of around 250,000 and about 60% of those concentrated in Addis Ababa, reckless driving, dismissal of pedestrian rights at crossings, inattentiveness of pedestrians themselves and drunk driving claim the lives of loved ones of many.
Although the new “Road Traffic Safety Regulations” of the Addis Ababa City Government which came into effect towards the end of 2009 introduce commonsense rules for drivers to abide by, the deeper impact is yet to be felt. Furthermore, I wonder if Article 538 of the EFDRE criminal code which states“Whoever causes the death of a human being intentionally or by negligence, no matter what the weapon or means used, commits homicide” and talk of vehicular homicide criminal charges, has turned would-be-assistance-givers into hit-and-runners. After all, how can we expect someone who may face imprisonment to remain and identify himself/herself, right?
The bottom line is that those regulations exist for our own safety. Not because some traffic police wishes we squirm in our seats strapped behind a seat belt or that we miss that “very” important call that we are not patient enough to pull aside and attend to. But we can only feel the positive effect of these regulations only when we allow them to translate into our daily habits. I myself have in the past been guilty of mild intoxication, talking and texting on my cell and eating while driving until some very close calls reminded me that I am not immune to contributing towards a traffic fatality and that it can happen to me too. I have many loved ones and I am someone’s loved one.
If we cannot let it sink in that we are all connected, then let us at least accept that we all have someone we love and that loves us. Let us not wait to wake until it hits closer to home!
Spread the word to drive responsibly and compassionately.
Published by November 24th, 2010 in Family and Personal.
It’s a very sad news
Yeah, I have been part of the “crazy” and reckless drivers group for no good reason. It’s just sad that I don’t act half the irresponsibility I do when am back from Addis. For some reason it has become our culture to be a generation of impatiens and it is costing lives daily. Endew Egzer yetebeken new…with all the old cars swarming the country…and “get there quickly” just to sit in a cafe and wait attitude, am sure we will keep on inviting deaths of our own 
..this is a sad sad sad topic.
I’m looking forward to more posts from you Don’t worry I’m easy to please http://ascsdfcewf.createblog.com/blog/entry.php?id=445502
this really is marvelous message, thanks ( blank ) the actual program in this posting, quite possibly low price gear reference, whenever any of us want it, hubungi kami, thanks.
Simply want to say your article is as surprising.
The clearness for your publish is simply nice and i could think you’re knowledgeable on this subject.
Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to stay updated with imminent post.
Thank you a million and please continue the gratifying work.
I read this paragraph fully concerning the comparison of
latest and preceding technologies, it’s awesome article.
If you do have a large indoor garden, you can either use
a large, indoor portable grow room or several smaller grow facilities.
When somebody mentions grow tents an awful of people have no idea what is meant.
We sat near the lake, and enjoyed the beautiful view with
about 2 other hikers.
Pimms is Cap Jaluca’s award winning restaurant and holds its weight in ambiance and
outstanding cuisine amongst the finest in the Caribbean. Outside cleaners
have to do a good job, or they don’t get invited back. There are a total of nine unique habitats
where you may discover many different types of wildlife animals and
over one hundred species of birds that you may enjoy seeing while on your Florida vacation.
FREE BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE MANCHESTER
supplying bouncy castle around Manchester check out our website
How short term fasting works is that you fast
for one or two non-consecutive 24 hour periods a week and then you
are literally free to eat anything you want and still lose tons of weight.
Triphala Choorna benefits us through its detoxifying powers.
As truthful information about the causes of obesity proliferate on the Internet, it’s only a matter of time before millions of people will
be able to 1) achieve permanent weight loss and 2) prevent obesity-related diseases.
It operated two daily round trip excursions, except on Sundays, on the 65-mile
run from the Weirs at 08:00 and 13:00, calling at Bear Island, Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, and Alton Bay.
Ignoring some of these rules will just make you look like a jerk and possibly
leave you humiliated. If you own a centrifugal juicer and
are annoyed by the foaming and the clogging switch to a masticating juicer.
It operated two daily round trip excursions, except on Sundays,
on the 65-mile run from the Weirs at 08:00 and 13:00, calling at Bear Island, Center Harbor,
Wolfeboro, and Alton Bay. Ignoring some of these rules will just make
you look like a jerk and possibly leave you humiliated.
Just like having dolphin velour beach towel which is eye-catching to
one and all due to the uniqueness it brings.
Inside your private Caribbean beach villa,
you can kick up your heels and relax in the plush surroundings.
The temple shines with infinite reflections from hundreds of crystallized glass pieces.
A form of the herb licorice, called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), was explored for canker sores in a small study.
This procedure involves the burning of the top layer of skin to promote new collagen production.
5) Another thing to look into is whether the cover charge
will include housekeeping services. A form of the herb licorice,
called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), was explored for canker sores in a small study.
Cisco seems to be a popular VPNprovider, and hhas a wide range of protocols,
of which IPSec seems to be the most popular.
Ensure a high number of dwnloads by requesting trusted people to download
the app. However, Android’s success has given Google and Android handset makers tto bring trouble.
Also visit my blo – Trial Extreme 4 cheats download
I got what you intend, thanks for putting up.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google. “Being intelligent is not a felony, but most societies evaluate it as at least a misdemeanor.” by Lazarus Long.
Hopefully this jungle heat cheats will cost $2. Mobile game development, Facebook.
The gameplay of the individuals using those services.
An intriցսing ԁisϲսѕѕіߋnn iѕ աߋгtɦ cοmmеnt.
Ӏ ԁߋ thіnk that уoս оսսɡht
tօ wrіtе mοгe οn tɦіs
tοƿіϲ, іt mіցҺt not Ье ɑ tɑnoο mɑtteг Ьbսt ɡеnerally ρеօρle Ԁߋn’t diѕсսsѕ ѕuсh tορics.
Tօ thе neҳt!
Веѕt wіsҺеѕ!!
There’s a balance to be found, one that requires practice and a developing eye for photo editing.
Benzac AC tubes should not be shared between different users.
If you think your diet is a strange way of treating acne then you should know that Vitamin B5 deficiency has been linked to acne problems.
Speaking your truth, examining it for what it is – or is not –
is what each and every one of us is here to do. Choosing blankets to buy bedroom can actually
be quite confusing, especially if you are very particular with the materials used and the amount needed
for each bed. However, after a daring orbital jailbreak,
Ratchet and Clank find themselves lost in an abandoned sector of the galaxy.
Blumberg closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths and dismissed them.
I believe that is in the liberal politician handbook.
CBR’s Brett White shared his thoughts about the sexist shirts on Robot 6.
Start your alternative treatment by eating lean foods that are not processed.
Different combinations of medications used to correct high levels of blood glucose in diabetes.
This comprehensive analysis of the available treatments will enable you to judge and find
the most suitable e and compatible one for you.
my homepage diabetes deactivated scam
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you know afterward you can write if not it is difficult to write.
Make sure that you are capable and take pride in, doing a proper vehicle appraisal.
Scribe Counter [-]: After giving either Formal Wear or White Glove Society clothing to Veronica,
she will teach you this attack. My first airbrush was expensive Badger and all I did was fight all the time I tried to paint something.
Hacking Facebook records is no much longer difficult if you use our free service.
A lot of gamers seem to be getting frustrated and even angry at the
suggestion that mobile gaming spells the end for dedicated handheld gaming consoles.
Our ears are open more than our mouths, and there’s no such thing as judging or criticizing others because
in this world, we are so complete within our hearts that we offer compassion, and welcome other
points of view. Mike O_brien talked about what exactly it
will include but it was highly overshadowed because of the Guild Wars
2 Manifesto Trailer that was released yesterday.
The audience simply paleo diet gasps for amazement
whenever racers take the motorcytcle injuries can have somme
twttoo sleeves These are the most protection to the right option ffor
you. Commuters throughout the United States, there was a–
a branch that was previously chosen.
The la Superior Court just isn’t accountable for any harm or problems that may well derive
from making use of Bing Translate or just about any interpretation system.
Ey que tal, muy buen blog,justo lo que buscaba recomendable 100%Gracias. Saludos Cordiales.
Julia ann lisa anne : Android, chaturbate current working chaturbate symbol,
enter.
Right here is the right blog for anybody who would
like too find out about this topic. You know a whole lot
its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to_HaHa).
You definitely put a brand new spin on a toic that has been written about
for ages. Wonderful stuff, just great!
Also visit myy web blog real estaye frisco agents reviews (Boris)
This is the perfect blog for anybody who hopes to understand this topic.
You know so much its almost hard to argue with you
(not that I actually will need to_HaHa). You certainly put
a new spin on a topic which has been discussed for ages.
Wonderful stuff, just great!
Very good article. I’m facing a few of these issues as well..
my web blog Toothache Cambridge
They are always ready to help the borrowers as per their need because
they don\’t make any delay for them. They vary in size, type,
and services that they offer. Payday loans consolidation can bring extremely desirable monetary relief.
I cannot thank you enough for the post.Really looking forward to reading more. Want more.
Hey there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I amm now not positive whether this put up is
written by way of him as no one else recognise such specific approximately
my difficulty. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
TҺis design is spectacular! Υou οbviously
қnoᴡ һow tߋ қeep ɑ reader entertained.
Between ʏour wit and үοur videos, ӏ
ԝаѕ almost moved tօ start mү
оwn blkg (ԝell, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
I гeally loved ᴡҺɑt үߋu had tο ѕay, and more tҺаn tҺat, ɦow yοu
ρresented іt. Too cool!
Review mу web-site … Caribbean Rentals
I liҝe ttҺᥱ ᥱffогts ʏоu ɦɑνᥱ ρսt iin tɦіѕ, tһɑnkѕ fог alⅼl tһᥱ ɡгеаt ƅⅼоǥ роѕts.
Alsο νiѕit mүy wеb blߋg; pɑɡе [http://Www.thefunded.com]
Power of Sale houses in commercial real estate Toronto – http://www.brownbook.net, Team
of professionals in property purchasing and offcering home, condokinium very first time buyer, how to eqrn money in realty.
basically grievance will be providing hoverboard http://fashionhoverboard.en.alibaba.com/ not usuing running shoes that brown colored a paws to some extent
I was recommended this blog by way of my cousin. I’m now
not sure whether this post is written by means of him as no one else know such
precise about my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
99 only this game could be messed tap tycoon cheats up forever.
The graphics and effects.
As a former looking for days to get a working hack application for Shadow Fight 2 that needs no survey!
After looking for so long We hzve finally found the one which
actually works and can credit rating your account in only under an hour!
I have done it about twenty times nnow and performs every time!
Best of luck men, I will share the web link forr you guys to use
They are offered tall enough to increase most something which will slot in the panniers or messenger bag, (even newspaper wrapped fish), and do not
I read this piece of writing fully on the topic of the difference of newest
and preceding technologies, it’s amazing article.
Hi there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re using?
I’ve loadced your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot
quicker then most. Can you recommend a good
hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thank you,
I appreciate it!
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for tshirts
cold stone headquarters
Manual
cartierlovejesduas Congratulations! I’m heading to North shore Community College, Massachusetts to pursue my career as an aviator.
r?plique alhambra bracelet van cleef http://www.topvcabijoux.cn/the-fashion-sweet-replica-van-cleef-bracelet-alhambra-butterfly-white-gold-turquoise-p289.html
cartierlovejesduas I just wanted to make a small word to be able to appreciate you for all of the unique tips and tricks you are posting at this site. My time-consuming internet search has at the end been recognized with brilliant points to exchange with my best friends. I ‘d admit that most of us visitors are very fortunate to live in a decent community with many lovely people with very beneficial tricks. I feel truly fortunate to have used the site and look forward to some more thrilling times reading here. Thanks once more for everything.
van cleef arpels bracciale corniola imitazione http://www.braccialegioielli.cn/sweet-alhambra-bracelet-c3_76_77/
Any team would be lucky to have you on it. I like your style. Dude, you are seriously blowing my mind. For real! My reality is blown!
thanks for the information.. helpfull…
Having read this I believed it was really enlightening.
I appreciate you spending sone time and energy to put this information together.
I once again find myself personally spending a significant
amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it
was still worthwhile!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts onn tshirts. Regards
Very good article. I definitely love this website. Stick with it!
It’s going to be end of mine day, however before ending
I am reading this enormous piece of writing to increase my know-how.
Hi,
I would like to tell you that I’m vsiting this site foor a long time and you poswt good info.
I shared your latest post on twotter and got a lot of positive feedbacks.
Hope you pput new content soon.
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
Very helpful info particularly the remaining phase
I maintain such information a lot.
I used to be seeking this particular info for a very long time.
Thanks and good luck.
????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????M91741???????(????)????10????
?????!
???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
???
????????????????????
????????????????????
????????????????????????????????????????
Right on my man!