Enough is enough. Stop the mayhem on our roads!

Jun 02, 2013 Letters

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Dear Editor,
For the past two months driving everyday in Guyana, I have had the opportunity to witness the reckless, irresponsible way most drivers here abuse the privilege of having a driver’s license. On a weekly basis, photographs of vehicular accidents dominate the pages of the print media, and much too often, innocent passengers on minibuses and pedestrians are the victims.
How many more road fatalities must this country endure? How many more grieving families must suffer the loss of a loved one? How many more children must grow up without a mother or father?
Enough is enough. It is time to stop the mayhem on our roads.
My sincere condolences to the family of the latest tragedy: Xue Fang Feng, who was killed last Friday afternoon by a speeding taxi, as she attempted to cross Mandela Avenue.
I am appalled at the reckless way some motorists drive with total disregard for the safety of pedestrians, many of whom are forced to walk on the street because the sidewalks are taken over by the vendors.
Over the years, I have followed the plight of commuters who depend on minibuses for transportation. And now, I have seen the intimidation and abuse of passengers by drivers and conductors as they aggressively pack their buses, and race recklessly through traffic. Although the Police Traffic Department is well aware of this violation that risks the lives and safety of passengers, more traffic cops are needed on the roads to deter drivers from speeding and operating overcrowded vehicles. How many more road fatalities and injuries involving reckless driving; speeding; and driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) must we endure before the Police Traffic Department declares a “No Tolerance” for such behavior, and deal severely with those who seem determined to violate these laws?
The following suggestions will greatly decrease severe accidents that usually result in death and injury:
1. All main roads must be properly marked with reflector paint to separate lanes, and to clearly identify both edges of the road.
2. Appropriate guard rails must be constructed at all dangerous turns, to prevent vehicles running off the road resulting in serious injury to the occupants or to pedestrians.
3. Install adequate street lights and signs on all main roads.
4. Impound all animals found roaming the streets, and impose a heavy fine on the owners.
5. Increase the presence of traffic officers armed with radar guns on long stretches of roads, where motorists are more inclined to exceed the speed limit.
6. Introduce a progressive fine for motorists found guilty of speeding. For example: If the current fine for a motorist exceeding the speed limit is $10,000, he/she will pay that amount if the speed limit is exceeded by one to eight KM. The fine goes up to $15,000 if the offender’s speed exceeds the limit by eight-16 KM, and to $20,000 if the speed is exceeded by 16-24 KM. Speeds in excess of 24 kilometers carries a mandatory fine of $20,000 with the suspension of the offender’s license.
7. Introduce a “points” system for Moving Violations. A “moving violation” is when a traffic offence is committed while the vehicle is moving; such as speeding, failing to obey a traffic sign, or talking on a cell phone while driving. Points are added to a motorist’s license in increments of two points depending on the severity of the traffic offense committed. When a motorist is reckless enough to have 10 points accumulated on his licence, his/her driving privilege is suspended. This points system will form part of the motorist’s driving record, which will be used to evaluate the motorist’s safety record for insurance and employment purposes. The onus is on the motorist to use the roads responsibly at all times, and this points system will act as a deterrent for anyone getting the urge to be reckless.
8. Of course, the above suggestions, even if implemented, will produce zero result until and unless traffic officers are made to suffer severe consequences for accepting bribes in lieu of issuing a ticket. As such, a system should be in place to monitor these rogue traffic cops periodically.
9. Drunk driving is an epidemic in Guyana that must be dealt with decisively. Anyone found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), should have their licence suspended. A second DUI conviction will have the motorist’s licence taken away, and would require the offender to complete an Alcohol Abuse and Driver Education Program before he/she can reapply for a new driver license.
Driving a vehicle in a reckless way is as dangerous as a firearm in the hands of a lunatic. And the same diligence must be given to those applying for driver licenses to ensure they are competent enough to drive a vehicle responsibly. There are still those unqualified persons who can easily obtain a license for the right price. This practice must stop.
Harry Gill

 

 

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