It is just over two months into 2022 and already 15 persons have died on our roadways.
Time and time again this newspaper has expressed shocked over the road carnage. We are in full support of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill’s statement of condemning Guyanese for reckless and careless behaviour on our roadways. The current rate of road deaths is indeed alarming and in majority of the cases are as a result of irresponsibility. According to data released by the Public Works Ministry comparative statistics shows that as March 3, 2022 15 persons were killed on the roads, in 14 accidents while the same period for 2021, 20 persons died from 19 accidents. The data shows that in 2021, 14 of the 20 persons killed were the most vulnerable classes of road users – two pedal cyclists, eight motorcyclists, four pedestrians – and of 15 killed this year, the vulnerable classes accounted for seven: two pedal cyclists, three motorcyclists, two pedestrians.
We agree with the minister when he said: “No life should be lost as a result of carelessness or recklessness…I will examine with my colleagues, to encourage legislation to ensure stricter controls, be it the training/re-training of drivers or riders, higher fines or stiffer penalties and a studied approach for the introduction of a demerit system.”
Historically, the shock, concern and caution that follow a fatal accident seem to be fleeting, and the major contributary factors are seemingly swiftly resumed despite public outcry. However, given that those accidents are occurring on our roadways, and judging from sentiments expressed on social media, a large number of Guyanese are outraged and are calling for drivers to slow down.
While that is encouraging, only time will tell if public pressure would indeed make a positive impact. Social media wields tremendous influence, and traffic violations by some irresponsible drivers have been captured and attracted the attention of the Police.
There were instances when some drivers imbibe alcoholic beverages while in the process of transporting members of the public. The conductors randomly stick their hands out to demand that the bus be allowed to cut in front of vehicles, without considering the risk involved.
The said drivers literally drive on the parapets at times to illegally undertake, just to avoid staying in lanes and to reach their destinations within the shortest possible time. They also blatantly block turning lanes while ignoring the pleading horns.
The end result is that those who respect the traffic laws are made to spend much longer commuting, and are left at the mercy of those inconsiderate drivers. This in no way suggests that all minibus drivers are reckless; however, many are noticeable offenders across the country. Sadly, their unacceptable behaviour has been allowed to continue, seemingly encouraged by both the travelling public and the Police to an extent.
While some passengers have objected to the overall despicable behaviour of minibus operators, and were in the process abused, there is an urgent needed for a collective and robust approach to denounce what has unfortunately become a culture of disrespect to both passengers and traffic laws.
There are times when the Police intervene, and commendations must be given; however, there is a lack of much-needed consistency, not just for the minibus drivers in question, but for all others.
The situation has worsened, and will further decline if no meaningful and sustained intervention is made.
There should be consideration for more stringent mechanisms, including raising the required age to obtain a licence to drive a minibus or taxi, and higher costs. Penalties for traffic violations must be more punitive, possibly even for minor offences.
The bottom line is that this issue must be addressed immediately and holistically, since a lack of sustained action would be continually interpreted as encouragement for the lawlessness.
