Just follow the rules. Then all should be OK. I once again had to learn this the hard way last Thursday when I was issued with a traffic fine of N$1 500.
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t budget for traffic fines, much less for one as substantial as this. But I must say, I finally learned my lesson. I could have avoided this by simply abiding to our traffic laws.
Gents, whether there is oncoming traffic or not at a four-way stop, please stop completely before you proceed. Don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t just slack down a bit and cross over. Chances are high that a traffic officer, slightly hidden, is waiting to wave his hand, pull you over and fine you.
I had deep thoughts about this while beating myself up for being so stupid. But I realise it wasn’t completely about just stupidity. It was about realising the importance of following set rules and regulations.
By not following traffic laws, I put not only me and my passengers’ lives at risk, but also those of other road users. I am sure this is something we all know but unfortunately by the look of things on our roads on a daily basis, it seems we forget to remember.
I mean, look at all the road accidents in our country. On an almost daily basis, lives are lost. Mostly due to negligent and reckless driving.
Gents, I also realised that following the rules can also apply to life in general and not simply to driving.
If you don’t tie your shoe laces, it’s almost guaranteed that you will trip and fall. If you don’t flush the toilet after you have used it … eventually some very unpleasant smells will surface. If you do not use the simple rule we all were taught as children – first look left, then right … then left again before you cross the road, chances are high that you will find yourself in a hospital bed, or dead. If you don’t clean the spot on the floor where you just spilled a drink, chances are almost certain that someone else, or possibly even yourself, will slip and fall. And of course, if you don’t follow traffic laws, you will be fined or depending on the level of seriousness of the offense… may end up behind bars.
The breaking of traffic laws hold dire consequences and is a threat to the human race. Yes, there are reasons for these things.
It is the simple things that can make the world of difference for your future. The decisions you make right now determine what your next minute, and eventually your complete future may hold.
Cheat on your partner and you stand the chance of losing her. Drive while under the influence of alcohol, you might end up killing yourself and others. Neglect your duties at work, you will end up in trouble and possibly lose your job. Walk around with a bad attitude… you will get it back from others, and possibly even worse.
The same with love. Remember, women are very emotional beings. If she doesn’t feel loved, things will not be fine. Doing what is necessary and required is basically ensuring a good tomorrow.
It takes a real gentleman, a true man to be obedient to life’s rules.
Being a responsible man can take you on a journey far more satisfactory than a life of not giving a damn.
What really bugs me about getting this ticket is the fact that just four short months ago I received a whopping fine of N$2500. Also for not stopping when I was supposed to. This time I went through a red traffic light. I know… I still cringe at the memory. I was chasing the orange light and by the time I crossed…
That’s the thing about life – until you learn your lesson, the same thing will happen over and over. So rather learn fast and move on to greener pastures.
Rules are rules. They are there for a reason. Your attitude towards rules, whether the rules of life or a country’s laws, determine the path ahead. So the sooner we become responsible citizens and more cohesive with the simple rules of life, the quicker we open doors to greater things.
Your attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards you!
Have a lovely Easter weekend.
Be responsible and drive safely.
Til next time, cheers!
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