The Killing Highways
For 2011 to date, there have been 47 fatalities as a result of vehicular accidents, and 10 of those happened over a period of eight days. It is common to hear of accidents precipitated by “loss of control”, seeming for the most part, to be a euphemism covering a range of violations from intoxication, speed, vehicles that are not roadworthy or any combination of these and other factors.
Despite laws to make the wearing of seatbelts compulsory, introduction of new legislation to prevent usage of hand-held cell phones while the vehicle is in motion, the Breathalyser and CCTV cameras, the carnage on our roads continues at an alarming rate. It is clear that more must be done. All of these laws must now be enforced with zeal. This also means that the police must be given adequate resources. For example, more breathalysers – and police trained to use them – and definitely a higher presence of police officers, strategically positioned where drivers tend to “lose control”.
How many lives might have been saved if cable barriers had been installed in a timely manner? Minister Warner is on record as apologising for the Ministry’s failure, once more expressing his frustration with the slow pace along the bureaucratic route to implementation. We echo his views and can only hope that this project will finally be initiated next month as the Director of Highways advised.
One of the basic ways speeding is monitored in more developed countries is by the use of radar timing devices. Once again, the Chamber makes an urgent call for the amendment of legislation to allow for such radar timing devices so that the police can charge motorists more efficiently and reliably for excessive speed.
Persons who drive without valid drivers’ permits constitute another can of worms. It is an unfortunate fact that some are able to “buy” their licences without ever passing a driving exam; others “take ah chance”. However one looks at it, that part of the responsibility rests squarely with the Licensing Division, which Minister Warner has described as a place “where the public faces corruption at every level.” It needs to be cleaned up as priority and in addition, we would recommend all drivers be required to engage in mandatory defensive driving courses.
There may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. A number of Traffic Wardens were recently introduced into law enforcement with more to come. We understand that these Wardens, who fall under the Ministry of Works and Transport, will have all powers of traffic police save for the powers of arrest and issue of speeding tickets. Along with this, there are plans to have ‘police bays’ along our highways, which would be staffed and equipped to handle major accidents with a minimum of delay and frustration to road users.
Some may argue that there is a significant degree of personal responsibility by drivers which comes into play. We agree, but until a cultural change can be effected, it is imperative, given the lawlessness which now plagues our country, that there is strict enforcement of all traffic laws by visible, 24-hour policing of our highways.
Maybe that is what it will take to save us from ourselves.
