AMONG the fatal road traffic accidents recorded during the Easter weekend was one involving a Toyota Altezza that careered off the road due to speeding and rammed into the family’s kitchen killing a six-year-old girl and leaving her mother and siblings nursing serious injuries.
This happened on Sunday around 07:30 hours at Mwalikonde Village along Kasama-Mungwi Road.
It is only last month when a Toyota Alteeza, rammed into a tree in Lufwanyama on the Copperbelt, killing the driver and other two occupants on the spot on Kalengwa Road.
There have been concerns by some members of public on the number of fatal accidents involving the Toyota Altezza.
I have even heard stories that some people have been suggesting that the importation of this sedan is banned.
It should not be a puzzle as to why we have so many accidents involving this car.
First, people need to understand that the Toyota Altezza is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) so because of a higher centre of gravity, SUVs tend to be more prone to rollover accidents than typical cars.
The other thing is that this car is more popular among male drivers under the age of 30. And half the time, alcohol and speeding are usually involved.
The point I am trying to make is that, there is nothing wrong with this car. The Toyota Altezza just like any other vehicle was properly designed.
It is the young drivers who abuse it that need to change their behaviour.
KAMPA SENKWE
Kitwe