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Road rage must stop

Jul 22, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
I am extremely glad that members of the public, at long last, have come to their senses. It is sad that a road tragedy had to ‘rouse them’ into reality. But like we all say, ‘it is better late than not at all.’
Indeed, the public must speak out and protest whenever a travesty of any sort is committed in the society.
It is a personal and civic duty, and when taken seriously, it is bound to help in ‘curbing road madness,’ which is why they are ‘speaking out.’
I do condone with those who are now bereft of their loved ones. I hope others who have had similar experiences will ‘whip up support’ and show solidarity and commiseration.
The current grieving fraternity is now most potent, and can effect changes, where they should be made. Here is where the justified angst of the grieving can take on positive repercussions.
First, and mainly so too, the real perpetrators must be pilloried to the ‘max’. Drivers in Guyana, particularly those operators of minibuses and hire cars, conduct themselves in such a manner, one gets the impression that ‘only money matters.’
Apart from being unkempt, ill-bred, and below-par in IQ, they show absolute disregard for the general public. However, they are aided and abetted by two sets of people, and here is where the ‘laws of the land’ must ‘kick in’.
The first sets of implicated people are the police officers themselves. They are venal and contribute to the current threatening road rage.
These colluding officers are simply out to ‘make a buck.’
No wonder when a driver sets out with his over-loaded and noisy ‘metallic monster,’ he does so with utter impunity. He even boasts that he has ‘his boys.’
Then there are the erring passengers. They silently contribute by remaining silent when there are instances of speeding and overloading.
Sometimes they subliminally contribute to the already adrenaline-filled drivers, by ‘tossing up’ their favourite music.
As a pertinent foot note, I am still shocked that buses and taxis are still allowed to play music. I thought this was banned.
In this ‘day and age’ do people still have doubts about the impact of loud and aggressive music?
Fie! So the blame must be on the drivers, the gullible passengers and the corrupt police officers. So what is the hope for a change?
Well there is every reason to believe that positive changes can be made and very quickly too.
The Commissioner of Police is absolutely enraged, but co-operation is vitally needed. The daily users of the transportation industry must ‘stick up’ for their rights. They must also report all instances of illegalities. In these times, no one has an excuse where communication is concerned. This applies to the drivers too.
They must not give reasons to be charged, and if they feel targeted, then they have to quit the bribery game. Most times they are too quick and ready to offer ‘perks.’ Perquisites are not a part of the police force and should never be allowed to become entrenched. I hope and pray for these changes-we need a new and safe driving culture.
Brian Azore

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