Amber Light and Warning Signs

SOMETHING that seems to be lost on far too many motorists and pedestrians is that amber light of a robot.

In Namibia, we refer to traffic lights as robots. That honey-yellow or orange-coloured amber light is used all over the world as a signal to caution of a hazard ahead, or that a danger approaches.

The amber light on robots and in a road-user setting serves to warn all motorists, not only Windhoek taxi drivers, that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing, or road construction work or repairs ahead, or an intersection or railway crossing. So, slow down and prepare to stop.

Robots are used to control traffic movements at intersections and crossings. From an early age, we learn that robots incorporate three lights, for a specific purpose. Red on top to signal the need to stop, and green on the bottom to show all is clear to move. That amber light in the middle means slow down, and prepare yourself to stop dead in your tracks.

Seemingly, for an ever-increasing number of motorists and pedestrians, it means move with great haste and speed before the light changes to red. Far too many pupils and university students have cultivated a tendency to dart across the road.

Come on, let us get real. The purpose of that middle amber light on a robot is to manage vehicle and pedestrian movement and flow. It is to thereby minimise the possibility of accidents and fatalities, and to reduce traffic congestion.

Amber lights are also used as other warning signals. On motor-vehicle dashboards, it warns that safety belts are not being used, of possible engine malfunction, faulty brakes or battery, that the air bags have been manually switched off, and that fuel is running low. Or that the vehicle is in need of a service.

In an industrial or manufacturing environment, that flashing amber light indicates imminent equipment failure and the potential loss of production, if left unattended. In dairy product and meat processing factories, it warns of cold-chain disruptions requiring immediate remedial action. If left unattended, it leads to and will result in costly product spoilage.

What about those invisible amber lights which serve as warning signals in business and in life generally? Health warning signs are not uncommon, and often start with a lump, bump, itch, blurred vision or an irritating cough. But let us leave medical matters to the health professionals, and stick to business.

Venturing into business is always going to be risky, but it does not mean being reckless. There will be ups, but downs too. Long before businesses fail, those invisible amber lights start flashing and warning signs appear.

It usually starts with money, or rather the lack thereof. After all, for an entrepreneur, the primary purpose of venturing into business is to make money. Money made by the entrepreneur can then fund all those commendable, lofty and laudable corporate social responsibility programmes.

Like ignoring the amber light of a robot could result in an accident, a similar potential hazard exists in a business setting. The problem in business is that often, it is too late to take corrective action. So, the entrepreneur or owner must remain alert and take swift decisive action.

Procrastinating and putting off the implementation of those nasty decisions, such as taking a cut in personal income, dropping marginal product lines, closing unprofitable branches, and cutting staff numbers will result in business closure.

What is the point of entering into contracts and making huge sales when customers take forever to pay? Economic headwinds are strong, and the storm will last a little longer. So, profit-making is vanity, but cash flow management is sanity.

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