Hi All
A good friend of mine, Dave, once told me that in ideal road conditions one should never have a car accident – as long as you stick within the speed limit, don’t drink and drive, and are wide awake. Well Dave, it’s not so simple in our current traffic circles!
The first thing that comes to mind is the state of many of our main highways – eg the Harare – Chirundu or Bulawayo to Victoria Falls roads – so many potholes and indented “scollops” that one must continually focus on the “Tarmac” without giving 100% attention to oncoming traffic.
The second major problem is the speed with so many drivers reaching more than 200kph especially driving into Harare from Kadoma or Beatrice late on a Sunday afternoon. One can’t help but mention the number of guys I have seen driving with a clearly visible open beer when I’m leaving for a bike ride at 9am on a Saturday morning.
I first met Tom Benjamin (0718-084-297) about 8 years ago when he was marketing manager for the AA. He has since broken away and set up his own Driving assistance company called Drive Zimbabwe. Tom is a very good writer and has been sending us, at Bambazonke, a weekly article regarding driving which we place at the end of some of our Daily Bambazonke Nhasi adverts. We have also posted them all on our website
Three years ago, I had a late-night call one Friday from one of my staff. He hesitatingly explained to me how he had been driving one of our cars “quietly” home when, suddenly, he was involved with a head-on car accident! – luckily neither driver was badly injured but both cars were write-offs. I gave Tom a call straight away and met him at the scene of the accident just after 1am – complete with tow vehicle, assistant, and more importantly his, seemingly, ever-present smile. The whole matter was sorted out in a relatively short time – no fuss.
His vehicle and staff complement have now started to increase as has his regular customer and membership base. He has, therefore, asked us at Bambazonke Nhasi to help out with a collection point for Subscriptions at our offices at 37 Victoria Drive in Newlands. Please contact Rutendo on 0772-354-177 if you would like to know more about these subscriptions.
On behalf of the management and staff at Bambazonke Nhasi, I would like to wish you a relaxing long weekend – Safe Driving Mike G.
PS. It’s hard to admit but I did find my car stuck in the mud at the end of my garden one rainy day last year – my friend Tom dutifully arrived a short time later to relieve me from the mild panic attack!
Read all about the science behind Road Failures Potholes