Dear Editor,
Without a doubt, I’m sure all would agree that the traffic situation existing in Guyana, is shouting from the roof tops for sanity on the roads. First of all, let me say that I’m convinced that the police under the capable leadership of the Traffic Chief are doing a commendable job, especially taking into consideration the blatant disregard for law and order on the roads. I traverse the East Bank and East Coast corridors and Georgetown almost every day and have seen firsthand the lawlessness that goes on (in addition to posts with expressions in video format of incidents in other parts of the country). I may be wrong, but along with others I’ve spoken with, I get the impression that we’re intent on committing traffic suicide. Actually, I’ve seen some improvements in the “motor cycle brigades” who a few months ago formed their own “lanes” between designated lanes. A slight shift on either side by a motor vehicle could easily end the life of the errant, helmetless motorcyclist. I’m convinced that our motorcyclists can compete and win with “flying colours” any Olympic competition for daredevil riding.
Regarding motor vehicles in George-town, it would annoy any responsible road user to experience traffic congestion, whether at known busy spots or at peak periods (neither of which follow the pattern just a year or two ago, every hour of the day or night is now peak time) to come up to a vehicle, doubled parked with its hazard lights on, as if this gives them licence to park wherever they want to. Regretfully and unfortunately, official state vehicles are also guilty of this travesty. I often wonder why many more vehicles blatantly breaching traffic laws, resulting in frustrating traffic inconveniences, are not “clamped”. The “clampers” must know the hot spots and “police” these areas much more often. Not enough “clamps”? Surely these can be built locally. Mini buses, hire cars, trucks and I suggest, any category of motor vehicle using our roads, when found to be guilty of certain traffic offences, should suffer the loss of use of their vehicles, for up to two weeks, depending on the severity of the offence, hurting them where it means most, the pockets of the owners.
I understand that truck drivers are now driving in excess of twelve, and in some cases, sixteen hours continuously, as they earn “per load”, as mini bus drivers do. It is debatable which are the more/most dangerous on the roads now: trucks, mini buses, hire cars (and many are private cars “wuking” hire) motor cyclists or any other category of road users. I had a personal experience a few days ago when a “container truck” nearly ran me off the road at the roundabout with the Jaguar, cussing me up in the process. I have the number, possibly with one incorrect. One suggestion is that errant users of the roads should be rounded up, and taken to the hospitals to “visit” those who were lucky enough to survive. Maybe taking some of them to the funerals of those not so lucky to survive would bring home the message in a more profound way. It is past the time we in Guyana, can continue to just “fret” when using the roads. Urgent action is essential to bring an end to the carnage. A few brief questions: is there still a law requiring motor cyclists and their pillion riders to wear helmets? Are any and all vehicles now permitted to “tint” their windows and wind shields, without the requisite authority?
Are there emergencies at a particular time every morning, to have ambulances and police vehicles on particular roads, with their sirens on? A few mornings ago, to my utter amazement, I saw an ambulance with sirens on, stop to “pick up” someone on Heroes Highway. Why are obviously “private” vehicles permitted to have and use sirens and security lights? Just wondering… Maybe a national “conversation” should be initiated, since no one is the font of wisdom, in this regard, and hopefully, implementable suggestions would flow from such an initiative. Be safe on the roads.
Sincerely,
Harry N Nawbatt
