Just a Second - Campaign

[Wyatt Earp]

So there I am this morning finishing my cycle going down one of the busier roads in Midrand.

A lady drives out of her complex, looks at me, swings in to the road, being in an obvious hurry and I have to hit the brakes hard.

 

I decide not to give the finger and make a scene. I get next to her vehicle and she starts swerving towards me digging in the cubby-hole looking for something, totally oblivious and not on purpose, but pure recklessness.

 

So two issues at hand here, she was in a hurry and reckless.

 

I get home and read about the cyclists in Bloemfontein and think of my situation with the inconsiderate BMW driver earlier. I mention all this to my wife, her comment was "if she waited just a second, you would have been in a better situation"

 

I have been wracking my brains about how we can stop this carnage on our roads for a long time now.

Cyclists, runners and pedestrians being killed simply because people are in a hurry .

Metro police aren't being very helpful, people are becoming more and more lawless and then it dawned on me, a message.

 

A plain and simple message that when people think about it they will think twice before they turn the ignition in their car.

A message so simple that when they are tempted to text or get behind the wheel intoxicated they will think about it and hopefully have second thoughts.

 

I then created a Facebook page called JUST A SECOND.

Yes folks, just one second can save a life.

Just one second can prevent that culpable homicide or manslaughter charge destroy peoples lives.

 

Well, this is what I wrote on the page :

 

 

Some might be skeptical, others will say "oh no not another group" Well seeing as the law enforcement on our roads is virtually non existent and people are driving more recklessly by the day, let's get in to the heads of those motorised road users, include them in this group so that they can see the carnage being caused, become aware of their inconsidertate habits and understand that when one gets behind the wheel of that car, it becomes a great responsibility to not just get you from a-b or keep your own family safe, but many other people that that share the road with. Lose a second and save a life.

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/167009350174871/167011680174638/?notif_t=like

 

 

So please, feel free to join the page and feel free to invite as many people as possible to this page, a place where people can discuss road usage and start changing their attitudes and help changing the attitudes of others.

 

Our Bicycle Safety twitter page will also be using the #Justasecond hashtag, so if a motorist is reckless and putting lives at risk, share it and use the hashtag.

Lets be positive and see this as a possible way of changing the minds of people out there.

Edited December 5, 2013 by Wyatt Earp

[Wyatt Earp]

[LOOK695]

I like

[Eldron]

Smacked that nail bang on the head Anton.

 

That's exactly right - one second's thought/attention/awareness will save a cyclist/motorcyclist/motorists life.

 

Nicely done sir!

[Slowbee]

Next time any one accuses you of not doing anything ... I'll post the link to this thread.

 

Can we make it a two way think Wyatt? Also get cyclists to spare a second ?

[Wayne Potgieter]

Great initiative.

 

Hmmmm....let me talk to my mrs about doing a run of stickers and car key chains if thats ok with you Wyatt? obviously you can specify design etc.

[Wyatt Earp]

Next time any one accuses you of not doing anything ... I'll post the link to this thread.

 

Can we make it a two way think Wyatt? Also get cyclists to spare a second ?

 

Thank you Slowbee and yes I agree, the cyclists could also use that second wisely.

[Wayne Potgieter]

I am thinking rubber car keyring holders shaped like the 00:01 pic above in bright red and grey.

 

Will get some proof drawings done up and emailed to you for your thoughts.

[Wyatt Earp]

Great initiative.

 

Hmmmm....let me talk to my mrs about doing a run of stickers and car key chains if thats ok with you Wyatt? obviously you can specify design etc.

 

Wayne ,as always very ready to help and support, much appreciate sir.

I say yes please and thank you.

[(Deon)]

Thanks for taking a balanced view and making a balanced point. This is the start of a solution that invites interaction.

[Eldron]

Thank you Slowbee and yes I agree, the cyclists could also use that second wisely.

 

A good life lesson really. The whole world would benefit by stopping for a second to think.

 

This rat race is getting out of control!

[Grebel]

Every day we drive to and from a destination. Be that work or play. Take note of the robot jumpers and lane switchers. Funny thing is, guess who you pull up behind at the next intersection.....

 

Nicely done Ant

[Stretch]

joined and shared

[DIPSLICK]

.

[kingalton]

i agree, even when i go running and cross over side road entrances, the cars don't stop and they look at me as if to say what the hell are you doing running and stopping me from driving..... everyone is in such a hurry all the time..

 

save a second - lose a life, lose a second - save a life..

[fanievb]

 

awesome initiative, kudos to you SIR!!!