Dear Editor,
The power to reduce traffic accidents rests not in the hands of the driver, but in the voice(s) of the passengers. The beautiful young lady in the front seat, whom the driver is trying to impress, should be the lead singer of the choir. All that is needed is the courage to join in a simple, but potent refrain:
“I’m not in a hurry.”
“Don’t drive as if you are late for an accident.”
“I’d appreciate ‘defensive driving.’”
“Safety is my only concern.”
The police department can have some of its officers on bicycles with yellow vests and walkie-talkies, patrolling the high incidence areas at peak periods. Institute harsh fines for careless driving and suspension of the driver’s licence. Make loss of life due to careless driving a criminal offence, warranting a manslaughter charge.
Resuscitate Mothers Against Drunk Driving, appropriately titled MADD and Mothers in Black.
There should be an annual programme on TV and radio; placard demonstrations at bus terminals;
An essay writing competition; and lectures at educational institutions ‒ ‘How death and injuries impact the lives of families, friends and surviving victims.’
Road accidents also impact negatively on the area of tourism. A few years ago I heard about a Guyanese group in England, who asserted their fear of returning home for a vacation, because of careless driving.
In an industry where there are too many vehicles, the resulting stress due to competition can result in varying expressions of aberrant behaviour.
Passengers’ safety takes a back seat to the driver’s quest to make a certain number of trips per day, which add up to a certain amount of dollars. The driver also has a point to prove to the ‘punk drivers’ ‒ speed, money and bravado’ are the motivating factors. The music (for want of a better word), fuels this carnage.
Yours faithfully,
George Daniels
