‘W8-2send’ seeks to discourage texting while behind the wheel

Rethabile Pitso

VODACOM Lesotho on Friday launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness against the use of mobile phones when driving in a bid to curb road accidents during the current festive season.

Vodacom Executive Head of Radio Network, Tsepo Chaotsane, said the campaign — to be conducted alongside the Department of Road Safety under the slogan ‘w8-2send’ — sought to warn the public about the dangers of text-messaging while driving.

“We appeal to members of the public to refrain from texting while driving, to avoid causing accidents,” Mr Chaotsane said at Friday’s colourful launch of the campaign.

“We hope our ‘w8-2Send’slogan, which has also been imprinted on available thumb-rings, will serve as a reminder to the wearer to ‘wait to send’ that Twitter, Facebook or Whatsapp message until they have steered clear of driving.”

He further noted the telecommunications giant would soon put a “lifetime pledge” on the internet for the public to promise not to use a cellphone while behind the wheel.

“The pledge is targeted at everybody across the country, including pedestrians, so we are counting on individuals to share it on as many social networks as possible,” he said.

Vodacom Lesotho Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator, Khoaeane Thobakae, also reiterated the dangers of texting whilst driving, and further appealed to all stakeholders to put the lives of their fellow citizens ahead of their selfish interests.

Mr Thobakae noted although Vodacom is a business which expects to operate at a profit, the company still values human life, hence the “w8-2send” campaign.

An unfortunate victim of a road accident, Tanki Lesenya, who was left wheelchair-bound, spoke at Friday’s launch and urged the public to be patient with technological devises and observe other golden rules such as buckling-up while traveling in a car.

“You should not be using your technological devices such as cellphones while driving. Be patient and wait until you are far away from the road to do so,” Ms Lesenya said.

Meanwhile, also present at Friday’s launch were members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, Lebohang Ramajoane and Rafallane Saoane from the traffic and fire department respectively.

The officers urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, and also avoid alcohol before venturing onto the road.