Dear Editor,
For us to bring back some level or orderliness or sanity on our roadways some fundamental things have to be addressed at all levels in our society, starting with the schools, when children at that tender age must be taught the proper use of the road.
I can remember over six decades ago while I was at the A.B.C. classes we were told to walk on the right hand side of the road, not more than two abreast, and while riding our bicycles, it must be done in single file, the curb drills were told to us almost every day.
Down the road I look to see if any traffic is near to me, down the road I look as well and listen, if I hear a bell, there is something coming, I must wait, if I cross I may be hit, now the road is bright and clear I can cross, without any fear.
Fatal accidents on a pedestrian crossing, close to it or any part of our road ways by speeding motorists are cause for all to be concerned. Every road user including the pedestrians have different roles to play because we are all in this thing together.
The Minister of Public Security, the Divisional Commanders, now Regional Commanders, the Officer in Charge of Crime, the Officer in Charge of Traffic and each Police Rank would be concerned when there is a spike in crime or road accidents in the region or even other regions as well.
And while there is an increase in the number of traffic ranks particularly in Region # 2 where you can see them more than ever before, it is totally impossible to have a rank at every school directing the traffic or at every intersection or junction or at every pedestrian crossing. These Traffic Ranks do not have to be around or within sight for road users to do the right thing, and in so doing reduce the amount of accidents on our roads and highways.
I wasn’t there but I can feel the pain and agony, when wives and equally husbands, mothers and fathers, children, relatives, family members, friends and neighbours receive the dreaded news, that persons closest and dearest to them are no more because of an accident or would be permanently disabled; who feels it knows it.
In the year1991 March I had my buddy friend Rasheed Ahamad taken away by way of an accident on the Skeldon Public Road, it was very, very devastating for me and many of his other friends, more so his family. The news of his demise had sent the entire village and surrounding villages enveloped into a state of shock and mourning.
There is an unguarded moment for all of us, but we must keep looking out for those not looking out for themselves much less us. We must support members of our Law Enforcement Agencies in any possible way and they are many, many ways that can be done.
Yours faithfully,
Archie W. Cordis
Former Traffic Policeman
