Dear Editor
I pen this letter with a great degree of sadness. Guyana is on a promising developmental trajectory, seen through substantial economic growth and infrastructural advancements. To truly secure our nation’s future, we must preserve our most valuable asset: our human capital. Unfortunately, road accidents have become a scourge, threatening to consistently diminish our already small population with gifted and talented persons capable of adding value to our social and economic advancement.
Road accidents in Guyana have reached alarming levels, with countless lives lost or irreparably altered each year. These incidents devastate families, drain our healthcare resources, and impede economic productivity. If you look carefully, you will observe that there has been a litany of contributory factors to this dilemma. These entail the following:
Distracted Driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. These distractions divert the driver’s attention from the road.
Speeding: Driving above the speed limit has been a significant cause of accidents. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes on the road and increases the severity of accidents.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgement, reaction time, and motor skills, leading to an increased risk of deadly accidents.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviours such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, and disregarding traffic signals amount to stupidity.
Ignoring Traffic Signals and Signs: Running red lights, failing to yield, and ignoring stop signs have led to many collisions.
Weather Conditions: While weather is not the driver’s fault, failing to adjust driving behaviour to account for rain has also been instrumental in the causation of fatal accidents.
Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces a driver’s reaction time if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. The last time I checked, the law stated that a car must be 20 feet from the one in front.
One may argue that addressing these causes requires a combination of driver education, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, which I firmly believe. However, there comes a time when children become adults and must consequently be responsible for their behaviours by demonstrating a certain degree of discipline. Discipline among drivers is a fundamental element in preventing road accidents. It involves strict adherence to traffic laws, such as obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and lane markings, which helps maintain orderly and predictable traffic flow. Disciplined drivers avoid distractions, such as using mobile phones while driving, and ensure they are sober and well-rested, thus enhancing their focus and reaction times. They practice defensive driving by anticipating potential hazards and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles. Regular vehicle maintenance, safety practices like seat belt adherence, and respectful behaviour towards other road users further contribute to accident prevention. Ultimately, disciplined driving cultivates a safer road environment, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions and injuries. Of course, demonstrating such attributes requires adults with a developed brain.
Guyana’s path to sustainable development hinges on the health and safety of its people. We must stop the road carnage and injuries now, thereby safeguarding our human capital and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our nation’s growth.
Sincerely,
Dr Marcel Hutson
