Dear Editor,
I travelled up the Linden-Soesdyke highway last Sunday evening and the return drive was a hair-raising experience. I breathed a sigh of extreme relief when I drove into my yard in Georgetown and parked; happy that I did not get into an accident which seemed possible on every turn of the road from Splashmin’s resort to G/town.
Sundays are renowned for picnic trips to the various creeks along the highway, so there are many vehicles, from cars to motorcycles to minbuses to SUVs lined up along these creeks with people having a great time. There is nothing wrong with any of this. But it is after the completion of these outings that our roads become racing circuits and tragedy lurks on the road.
I happened to pass Splashmin’s at dusk when visibility is at its poorest, and from there right up to the East Bank I was faced with vehicles whizzing past me at very high speed and executing the most dangerous manoeuvres. Some vehicles were actually double overtaking simultaneously at very high speeds. Then there was the motorcycle crew, many of whom were helmetless, also doing their stunts on the road with little or no regard for the other road users. One slight error by these drivers and it would have been a calamity of the utmost proportions.
Such (ab)use of this public road on Sundays is nothing new. There have been accidents and tragedies. Yet nothing seems to be done to improve the situation.
I passed at least three police road patrols with one actually stationed at Splashmin’s. Yet their presence seemed to have very little effect on the road users.
I humbly ask the Commissioner of Police the following question: Are the road laws suspended on Sundays? for the type of driving that I saw seems to indicate that possibility.
I know that under the cover of darkness it is impossible to control excess speeding. But at least police checkpoints and stops, especially between Splashmin’s and the Diamond/Grove area could impede this wanton abuse. What about breathylzer tests? Why aren’t these used to help control drunken drivers after a day of fun and frolic? I am certain that many of those speeding drivers are under the influence of alcohol.
I am pleading with the Commissioner to please do something urgently to control this abuse of our public road. It is a tragedy waiting to happen, and please do not wait until it happens before acting. We need to start being responsible along our roads. No one is against having fun and relaxation on a Sunday, but it must be done with respect for others who use the same road for other purposes. If you want to drink and party then have a designated driver who is responsible for transporting you to and from your destination safely. Both you and the public will benefit from such acts.
Yours faithfully,
M Abraham
