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THE ROAD CARNAGE CONTINUES

Jun 01, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,

The current speed limits on the highways in Guyana are intended to reduce accidents and deaths and make the roadways safer, but the recent accident on the Essequibo Coast which claimed four lives has proved otherwise. Police statistics have shown that most of the traffic fatalities are caused by speeding which suggests that more traffic police, speed radars and road blocks are needed to reduce the carnage on the roads. These devices are useful tools for the police to enforce compliance with the law. Most would agree that speed radars and road blocks are needed as speed and drunk driving are major causes of accidents which have taken over 50 lives in the last four and a half months, which is 32 percent higher than the same period last year. Speed determines the outcome of a crash, whether one lives or dies.
It is estimated that most drivers have violated the legal speed limit daily on the highways, but only a few are caught and prosecuted. Drunk driving also remains a problem on the roads and despite tougher laws and higher fines, many continue to drink and drive recklessly with no regard for the safety of others. The death of 10 year old Devon Sealey of Sisters Village, West Bank Demarara allegedly by a drunk police officer is a case in point. It is sad.
However, speeding and drunk driving are symptomatic of a wider social problem in society of the value people place on each other’s lives. And although the Minister of Public Security has not done enough to reduce traffic accidents and deaths, he cannot supervise each and every driver. Neither can he legislate attitudes and behavior nor cater for thrill seekers. No matter what, there will always be errant drivers.
But the government has to impose stiffer fines and penalties for drunk drivers, provide more speed radars to be used; widen the scope of road safety policing measures and implement stricter standards when determining who gets drivers’ permits. Also it has to employ measures such as breathalyzer tests, road blocks, and make sure the laws are enforced. But there will always be some unlawful drivers on the roads.
The government has to do its part, but there is no doubt that the carnage on the roads will continue to bring untold human suffering. The problem is the attitude of some drivers, especially the youths who speed. Data has shown that 55 percent of all road fatalities resulted from speeding, 30 percent from alcohol impairment; 10 percent from not using seatbelts; and five percent for running red lights/stop signs or jay walking by pedestrians. Improving safety and reducing speeding and drunk driving on the roads should be done on a 24-hour basis and not just during daylight hours.
It is true that an increase in the use of speed guns and road blocks on the highways will lead toa reduction of accidents and fatalities on the roads but it will not eliminate them. Enforcement of the other rules such as improper lane use, breach of traffic signals, illegal use of shoulders and turning lanes and overtaking on solid yellow/white lines are also required for a safer and a calmer driving experience. These breaches have contributed to unsafe driving conditions, indiscipline and reckless use of the roads.
Injuries and deaths caused by traffic accidents are so prevalent globally that the United Nations has declared a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Traffic accidents and deaths could be prevented with the use of commonsense and proper road etiquette. They have identified the need for the government to strengthen legislation for the institutional agencies that enforce the traffic laws and develop a national road safety strategy aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities. In the past, the system has vindicated too many speeding and drunk drivers and this has made a mockery of those advocating for safety and discipline on the nation’s roadways. Remember, one road fatality is one too many.
Observer (name supplied)

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