Dear Editor,
Even the most casual traffic observer (or a blind one) would quickly conclude that a great many Guyanese drivers have torn up the book on traffic rules and regulations, and driven over the pieces. Further, they have come up with their own book. It is one that is amended daily, if not hourly, with some new incivility, and a vast depthless ignorance.
Drivers approach stops signs and red traffic lights with no intention of stopping, or even pausing, but on daring and forcing the other person to give way. There is no right of way, no caution, no priority of arrival, and absolutely no courtesy. The five Cs are pummeled, spat upon, urinated upon, and laughed at with impunity. Blinking red lights have no meaning: they are an invitation and opportunity to speed up and race through without regard for the perils posed to other road users. There is the intersection of Brickdam and Camp Street, just up from the precinct; and there is Church and Camp streets that one can observe multiple almost minute-by-minute infractions. This is no exaggeration. The barreling Tundras and similar behemoths, along with the ubiquitous minibuses are the main culprits. And no one in his right mind would exclude the smaller passenger sedans who either lead the way, or actually imitate.
When aggregated, it as if every next driver (the temptation is strong to say every driver) is pushing the envelope and endangering citizens, including pedestrians and other drivers, through deplorable practices. This is not about road hogs; after all hogs do have some sense and intelligence. The speeding, mindless aggressive driving, and total disregard for the rules of the road compound the disarray and congestion, and compromise the safety of the rest. Matters are still further compounded by those who snake ahead of waiting lines at traffic lights, block oncoming traffic, block the box, and snarl turning lanes and forward movement.
Now the Traffic Chief may take offence, but his ranks on the job are too disengaged, too sluggish, and too often in their own world, and going about their own business. The usual manpower and resource lament should be forthcoming reflexively. To counter, I submit that some of the more blatant instances of traffic violations occur at known points and repetitively; two busy intersections were already identified above. Let some action follow.
The pickings would be easy, if there is consistent and tactically sound deployment of the limited resources in hand. Hard messages must be sent, and penalties levied to deter the dumb and the dangerous, and the mentally impaired, too.
Looking down the road, I think that a points system (licence penalty) and insurance sanctions must be introduced, and applied in tandem. Those whose licences are revoked should be announced in the media for deterrent purposes, and to alert citizens of those who should be off the road. It goes without saying that all of this will only produce dividends when clean dedicated cops are on the watch.
It is time that the mayhem and near complete contempt for the rules of the road, and safety of others, be arrested, reversed, and impounded, if only for the sanity of those who adhere to the official standards that are in force.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
