Tuhafeni Mwandingi (35) from Oshakati has written a handbook aimed at road safety.
He began work on ‘The Road Maestro’ in 2018 and completed it this year, with an initial print run of 500 copies.
Mwandingi says despite the challenges around completing the handbook, his determination and willpower kept him motivated throughout the process.
The book consists of six chapters covering various topics, from getting a driver’s licence, to road safety issues and first aid.
Mwandingi says the prevalence of road fatalities compelled him to write about road safety.
“The painful situation of road fatalities on Namibian roads is robbing Namibia not just of its natural resources but beautiful minds which could propel Namibia towards Vision 2030. I always wanted to do something about it. This motivated me to write a book, a lifesaving machine for the love and care for all Namibians borne in my spirit,” Mwandingi says.
He further says most road accidents in Namibia are caused by various issues, such as a lack of skilled drivers, unfit vehicles, bad attitudes, unnecessary risk-taking, poor trip planning and driving under the influence, among others.
The book is designed to address road safety issues to improve the situation on national roads, he says.
“I am a driving enthusiast and have a passion for driving and vehicles in particular. This inspired me to research and gain deeper understanding about road use. The need to shift from being a consuming nation to a producing nation played a role as well.”
Mwandingi collaborated with transport regulatory authorities such as the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Roads Authority and Natis, as well as various road users.
He says people need to understand that rules and regulations are there to safeguard, not punish.
“The book answers the what, how and why questions and thus clearly fosters a justification of why rules and regulations are made and thus brings the bigger picture behind rules and regulations governing roads to the foreground to change the perspective of our people.”
Mwandingi says the inclusion of first aid content aims to empower people to assist at accident scenes.
“The inclusion of road safety issues, dashboard lights, tyre education and road etiquette makes it a first of its kind road awareness raising masterpiece,” he says.
The book targets government fleet managers and drivers of all government vehicles, learner drivers and experienced drivers.
It also targets pedestrians, transport regulatory bodies, school pupils and tertiary students.
“The book is an intervention I am putting forward to help in improving the safety of our people on the roads and an example to our private sector and the entire corporate world to put efforts together to improve the safety of our people.
“Bettering the situation is indeed a shared responsibility and we need to work together,” he says.
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