Let’s unite to stop the carnage on our roads

Nov 04, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
On Jan 1, 2003, the Seatbelt Law was activated/enforced. This came about after a number of fatal accidents occurred during the previous year.
One of those involved a Corentyne family and (if my memory serves me correctly), I remember the President making a promise at this funeral to implement the “Seatbelt Law”.
However, this was not the only reason this law was enforced. It must be noted that the “Mothers in Black” played a key role in lobbying for the implementation of this law.
On Friday October 29, 2010, one of the most horrific and tragic accidents in Guyana’s history occurred.
There is a lot of speculation as to the factors leading up to this tragedy. The two uppermost being: speeding and driving under the influence (DUI).
Regardless the outcome of the investigation those lives lost are irreplaceable.
Nonetheless, many of us do believe that our lives are predestined and there is a reason for everything.
Regrettably, the lives that connected directly or indirectly either because they survived, lost a loved one or witnessed this carnage, have forever changed. However, some times a good thing arises from tragic situations, but what is important is how we use the situation to positively influence the lives of others.
Recently, after the gruesome murder of Neesa Gopaul the President went all out to “fix” this problem by engaging all in the fight to prevent a reoccurrence of this heinous crime.
Over the years, there have been countrywide campaigns against domestic violence in an effort to eradicate this disease from our society.
As you may have realised, good came out of these tragedies!
My question to you Mr. President is how do you plan to “fix” this most recent tragedy where Guyana lost 12 of its most precious resource? (Our citizens!)
After all, there have been 653 road fatalities from 2006 to present and this figure does not include the 12 of last weekend. When compared to deaths resulting from domestic violence this figure far surpasses.
I would like to bring to the attention of all stakeholders that the deaths’ resulting from vehicular accidents worldwide far surpasses the figure of deaths by cancer and AIDS combined!
I sincerely believe that those in authority should consider revising the penalty for death by dangerous driving. It now stands at a maximum of five years and I am unaware of anyone who ever received this full penalty. In most cases, prosecution of these cases is tenuous, which results in a fine because of witnesses’ reluctance to participate, and sometimes loopholes in evidence gathered.
I would like to suggest that those found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving should be charged with manslaughter.
Secondly, motorists caught driving under the influence (DUI) or dangerously must have their licences endorsed, in such case for first-time offenders. If a motorist, commits any of these offences a second time then his/her licences must be suspended for at least six months regardless of one’s status in society!
Should the erring motorist for the third time commit any of these offences then without doubt that person should have his/her licences taken away for three-five years.
Those in authority need to send clear messages of zero tolerance, only then would our roads be a safer place.
To those who lost a loved one in road accidents, my condolences. November marks the month of Road Safety let us all unite in the battle to stop the carnage on our roads!
Juliet Dukhi

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