The number of road fatalities is deeply worrying

Dec 20, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The number of road fatalities is deeply worrying, the most recent of which resulted in the deaths of five persons and injuries to several others at Mahaicony.
Accidents, it is said, do not just happen; they are caused. Most accidents are the result of excessive speeding, failing to adhere to traffic rules and driving under the influence of alcohol.
I think it is time for the traffic department to re-evaluate its operational plan to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. Traffic ranks should be deployed to control speed by way of vehicular movements on the roads, rather than standing at strategic points with speed guns to capture unsuspecting speeding motorists.
Speed limits should also be standardized at realistic levels as opposed to the differentiated limits seen across the country, in some cases with no apparent logic. Except in extreme cases, motorists who violate traffic rules should be issued with a ticket payable at the nearest police station or post office. This would minimize the tendency to offer bribes by delinquent motorists to traffic ranks.
The use of electronic monitoring devices should also be explored, as in the case of the developed world, where attempts at jumping traffic lights or excessive speeding could result in a ticket posted to your home.
What is being suggested here is a more proactive rather than reactive approach in dealing with road accidents. No amount of exhortations by the President or the Police Commissioner would suffice, unless these are backed by institutional and innovative operational strategies and plans.
I extend my condolences to the relatives of all those who perished in the recent accident on the Mahaicony road. The driver of the mini-bus, Seechan Chandilall, was personally known to me as a very humble and likeable individual.
May their souls rest in peace!
Hydar Ally

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