Have the right information to be safe

The other day I woke up to several WhatsApp messages warning me of dire consequences if I did not have an assortments of tools in my car.

I did not know so many people care about my welfare as a motorist.

Among the items that the message indicated I needed to have included a tow rope, jumper cables, First Aid kit and an assortment of tools that I would hardly need.

Failure to have all these items in the car would put me at loggerheads with law enforcement and regulatory authorities, the message poignantly warned.

Why would I really need a tow rope? I wondered. After all, my car is in tip-top condition and tow ropes, jumper cables and jerrycans are stuff for those who do not look after their vehicles and expect them to come to a halt at the first sight of  hill on a cold morning.

Luckily, just as I was to go online and post my rants about these unjustified requirements, the National Transport and Safety Authority clarified that only reflectors and fire extinguishers were needed for private vehicles.

This reminded me of last year’s confusing declaration about tinted windows.

So what can we do to arrest such scenarios?

First, I think NTSA should undertake some public awareness campaigns for motorists so that they do not fall prey to misinformation.

By doing so, the Authority will help motorists concentrate on meeting the applicable requirements and as it meets its mandate of upholding safety on our roads besides keeping its image intact.

NTSA was swift in dismissing the misinformation and also clarified the matter and it is my suspicion that the confusion could be fuelled by errant traffic police officers.

To enhance their daily takings from motorists, it would be of interest to the boys and girls in blue to come up with all these requirements so that they can corner motorists.

Having said that, motorists also must have the right information and know their rights so that they do not have to panic whenever they see traffic police officers.

They say the guilty are always afraid; why should you be afraid if you are not guilty?