Dear Editor,
We need to get real. We have a driving culture that allows people to drive the way they do, with loud music playing; very fast; undertaking; beating the lights; and even when intoxicated.
I remember the many start and stop campaigns. These come as knee-jerk reactions and when the emotions wane, we all get back to normal.
So now, we have this minibus crash on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, in which two Lindeners died and several persons were injured, and what I am reading? It is that the Traffic Chief Hugh Dehnert is renewing his call for “… the travelling public and road users in general to report all ‘anti-social’ activities to the police Traffic Department so the necessary course of action can be taken.” I have to ask what action and how quick and consistent.
Do we honestly need people to report on speed driving, driving with bright lights and loud music and after imbibing? These are so obvious and well established that they have become the norm. People have no fear where these things are concerned. Sometimes I witness a half-day campaign, targeting tainted windows and decorated number plates. The Traffic Department must ask itself a big question – where are the problems and who are the perpetrators of traffic infringements?
Every day, in front of Plaisance, specific (protected maybe) minibuses pass with overloads and at an over-the-limit speed. Also, when the parks are crowded, passengers are asked to pay a double fare. We report that and go home the next day as we await a polite visit? Guyana must pre-empt certain situations. The police must be on the ball. They must be at the parks so that bullying drivers and conductors are made to pay instantly for offences. Police do not need instruments to get at drink drivers and drivers who use high beams. Simply target the obvious and start a new trend. It will take a lot of effort at first, but I guarantee all the desired change will come.
Personally, I live in my little world and I ignore or avoid these breakers of traffic laws. If I see a change in our driving culture, I will help to maintain it. The current state of affairs has been created by a system that does not work; this is the work of our Traffic Department.
Yours faithfully,
Matt Singh