STOP THE CARNAGE

Aug 04, 2015 Editorial

The recent demise of an 82-year-old woman following a horrific car-bus accident at Houston, East Bank Demerara, reminds us of how vulnerable we continue to be as we traverse the country’s roadways. Road accidents are occurring every day in little Guyana. Too many are fatal. Such senseless loss throws families, friends, co-workers and communities into despair. We can ill-afford more negativity.
But even as the Police warn and advise drivers to be cautious on the thoroughfares, legitimate claims are made about the neglect by the authorities for not putting in place suitable safety measures. For example, there are hardly proper lights and road signs on the country’s highways which are being viewed as death zones. If spending the taxpayers’ money to illuminate the highways means saving lives, then spend it like there’s no tomorrow.
Simply pleading with citizens to be more responsible in their driving habits is not enough. The government has to embark on a vigorous no-nonsense road safety campaign to warn drivers and passengers of the dangers of speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. But as some would remind and caution us, such warnings have been constantly ignored. The starling fact is that most of these accidents have occurred when there is not much traffic, like in the wee hours, usually on weekends, and too often by persons who are intoxicated.
There are those who insist that accidents are bound to happen. Others are of the opinion that accidents can be prevented. But with so many vehicles on the roads – where the ratio of vehicles to citizens is one of the highest in the world – it is reasonable to assume that not everyone behind a wheel is a competent driver. Something needs to be done about this. Talking about or debating the issue will not address the key concerns.
Where are the radar speed guns? Twenty-odd years and millions of dollars later, road accidents and resultant deaths are still on the increase. Families are forced to bury their loved ones who are in many instances cut down in the prime of their lives.
Who should be blamed for the lawlessness and the carnage on the roads? There is little disputing that speed, reckless and drunk driving are the main causes of traffic accidents and deaths. The police and the licensing office should bear some responsibility as well for not enforcing the existing regulations. Until the latter bureau is cleaned up thoroughly, and rogue and corrupt elements are removed from the force, the people will continue to mourn en masse.
The police ranks tasked with responsibility of manning the roadways must be proactive and diligent in enforcing the speed limits and traffic rules. They and their superiors cannot and should not tolerate or condone the reckless road habits of errant motorists.
In 2015, the road carnage continues unabated, mainly because of the lack of precautionary measures such as inadequate breathalyzer tests, absence of visible police highway patrols, and as mentioned, poor signage along the various routes.
Persuading drivers to respect the traffic laws and drive carefully and responsibly has definitely not worked. Those whose reckless driving has caused accidents and deaths on the roadways, either through the use of alcohol or illegal substances, or speeding, must be banned permanently. Depending on the circumstances, they should also be imprisoned for prolonged periods and be fined heavily.
These types of draconian laws and/or measures are needed to reduce the bouts of madness currently stalking our roads. Other measures such as the imposition of significant financial compensation to the affected families must be made mandatory. The government must act swiftly to implement such laws in order to stop the carnage on the roads. There must be deterrents in a society where the rule of law appears to be breaking down. Life is precious.

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