NRSC advocates 25-year jail term for causing fatal accidents under the influence

Nov 13, 2012 News

…says cameras will help police ticket defaulters

A minimum sentence of 25 years is being touted for persons causing fatal road accidents while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This advocacy was vocalised yesterday by Executive Member of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Hilbert Archer.
He was at the time addressing a sensitisation session for teachers at the Regency Hotel as part of the Council’s effort to raise road safety awareness among educators.

NRSC Executive Member, Hilbert Archer

The event which was organised by the NRSC saw the attendance of two police officers who were representing the Guyana Police Force on matters of concern raised by the participating teachers.
“We always have to remember that a vehicle is a very lethal weapon and persons have to understand they have a very serious responsibility when behind the wheel…When you become a driver it is a responsibility; you are responsible for people’s lives,” Archer stated.
There are currently a number of people who are afraid to travel on the roadways, particularly in minibuses, because of the spate of accidents, he said.
“When we look at what is happening on our roads today some people think it hard to travel in minibuses and would pray sincerely before boarding a bus.
“What we have been recommending and I have always been advocating for is that the laws be changed,” said Archer even as he expressed his conviction that “if you are going to drink and drive or smoke weed or take cocaine and then take a bus or a car and cause an accident and 10 people or five people are killed and you are the only survivor you should face (the requisite) counts of manslaughter.”
The NRSC Executive recommended that “your minimum sentence should start around 25 years. That is one of the things I have been advocating; so the drafters, I believe, need to look at the draft again based on the Police recommendations because they know whether the charge for manslaughter or dangerous driving is needful.”
In the interim though, Archer opined that functioning cameras (Closed-circuit television (CCTV)) positioned at the city’s traffic light intersections will seek to help the Police Force in its efforts to capture perpetrators. He disclosed, yesterday, that “functioning cameras at traffic lights were the reason why the police were able to identify and apprehend criminals who had robbed people…”
He said that the Road Safety Council is currently advocating a system whereby persons who fail to adhere to traffic lights could in fact be served with a ticket at their homes. This approach is utilised abroad.
“I think what we have been advocating for and what will happen shortly is that as soon as you jump a red light the camera will pick up

The sensitisation session in progress yesterday

your number plate and the ticket will meet you at home,” Archer disclosed.
Yesterday’s forum also saw teachers venting their concerns about congested traffic on the East Bank Demerara at peak hours and whether it is necessary for mobile police officers to adhere to traffic lights.