Dear Editor,
It is my heartfelt hope that this letter will cause some visible changes in order to stymie the “suicides” and murders occurring on our roads. Heads of organizations responsible for the task of monitoring traffic, pedestrian and vehicular, should be instrumental in ensuring our traffic moves smoothly and safely.
The major causes of these accidents and fatalities occur through speeding and other mishandling of vehicles. People losing control of their vehicles has become a fairly new development. This means either the drivers/ riders are inexperienced, not having gone through the necessary practical tests to obtain a license, or are speeding. Hence, one solution would be more monitoring of our roads by mobile or pedestrian police patrols and electronic surveillance systems. The busier the roadway, considering the government’s recent expansion of road networks and the rapid increase of vehicles, the more monitoring will be required.
The greatest losses seem to involve young lives. It is difficult but not impossible, to change the mindset of young people, who tend to be risk-takers, carefree and in a hurry, moreso than adults. The age to obtain a license should be increased. Youths are more commonly the users of motorcycles, which are quickly becoming a main component of accidents and fatalities. Riders of motorcycles are more vulnerable to harm and death. Moreso, it comes with their ability to weave among traffic and other larger vehicles. The thrill apparently enjoyed seems to supersede any thoughts of peril. To compound their fragility, the law requiring these users to wear helmets is not enforced and seems to have been shelved.
Recently, greater numbers of pedestrians have been hurt and died after being hit by vehicles on our roads. These should be the rarest of accidents and deaths. These incidents have occurred due to people vending on the roads, lack of caution by motorists and again, due to lack of proficiency by motorists. Various signs created to curb these errant practices and more pedestrian crossings would be helpful.
An additional threat to life and limb is livestock, pets and cattle left to roam. Lighting of streets and the removal of encumbrances in the form of parked and unlit vehicles is another danger. Businesses with continuous traffic in terms of vehicles and machinery should be prohibited from establishment alongside busy roads. These operations cause mayhem and heightened tensions and “road rage,” especially during the rush hours. My call follows on the heels of many others over years, as many Guyanese and others, continue to lose family members, partners, friends and loved ones through this most devastating and preventable scourge.
Sincerely,
Conrad Barrow
