As Guyanese continue to express concern over the high number of accidents that have occurred recently, there are various reasons for those accidents. A common theme appears to be the unnecessary taking of risks and speed, factors often lamented as causes.
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, it seems that 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 act and times when they seemingly turn a blind eye. Every day, roadways – including those in some villages that are not approved on the road service – are used by minibuses.
The Police cannot be oblivious of that, for, in some cases, when they are managing the flow of traffic, they allow those buses to re-enter the main thoroughfare. That can only be seen as encouraging a transgression of the said road service. Also, on a daily basis, many minibuses are crammed with passengers, having exceeded the legal limit.
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. If the working traffic lights were to be configured to best suit the rush hours, then more ranks could be freed up to deal with traffic violations.
In addition, 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.
In whatever review that may now take place, maybe a protocol on how minibuses owned by Police officers should be treated in the context herein, and to simplify a complaint process for the public, needs to be established.
The bottom line is that this issue must be addressed holistically, since a lack of sustained action would be continually interpreted as encouragement for the lawlessness.
