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Commentary
Selfish drivers should be stopped
Published on: 12/18/2009.
IT MAY BE NOTHING MORE than a matter of perspective, but it is clear beyond doubt that the internal combustion engine in a vehicle's body can be a weapon of mass destruction. This is so the world over where motor vehicles are used for the convenience of men and women, and recklessly used by other men and women who ignore the most basic rule of mankind that one must love one's neighbour as oneself.
The recent carnage on our roads is a matter of significant concern because, by and large, we normally so manage our use of these vehicles that we keep the loss of life on the roads under relative control; but things seem to have gotten out of hand in recent days.
This year so far, we have lost 24 of our brothers and sisters to road accidents, whereas last year we lost 18 lives. With some days left during the busy Christmas season, we would be happy if no more lives are lost; but this may well be a forlorn hope.
For sometime now, great concern has been expressed by the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force and by certain other stakeholders that the increasing disregard for the traffic laws and regulations breeds a general disrespect for law and order.
Some may debate this causal connection, but none can deny that when motorists and other road users ignore the traffic rules, then more lives are likely to be lost on the roads, and this seems to be happening.
It is therefore important that a number of the downright stupid actions undertaken by drivers while in charge of motor vehicles be stopped at once. We are all aware of the dangers of some drivers texting on cellphones or watching the miniature television sets installed on the dashboard, but it is similarly astonishing to think that some people, while driving, would be so irresponsible as to attempt to apply make-up or even tackle hair curlers or brush their teeth.
Given that vehicles are driven at minimum speeds of about 30 miles per hour, the scope for such an errant driver to maim, disfigure for life or even cause death to pedestrians or other road users is ever present. These actions also defy the laws or rules of self-preservation, since the driver may cause himself personal and serious injury in the event his irresponsible behaviour causes a collision. It is therefore not enough for our police officers to speak about the problem.
Our road traffic laws must be strengthened where necessary, and even now prosecutions must be brought against those drivers seen doing senseless acts while driving! It cannot be right that a small group of selfish drivers be allowed to break laws and thereby run the greater risk of breaking bones and breaking the lives of other road users.
The same is true of those who drive around without valid licences and insurance policies.
It is a monstrous disregard of the law and the penalties, in particular, must be strictly enforced and miscreants heavily punished.
If we have not mentioned the ZR drivers
and conductors and their subculture, that alone should set alarm bells ringing, because the problems under discussion are the breaches
of the traffic laws by ordinary law-abiding citizens; and therein lies the danger, for the contagion has spread, and now infects the general body of ordinary drivers.
Running red lights may cause death, but damage to the structure of our society by such wanton disregard by the average motorist for the law is far more harmful to the society than even the loss of life, dreadful though that is.
7 comment found!
Cowboy driver all : 12/24/2009
Like the poor,indiscipline on our highways will always be with us. The Police and/or the Law Courts are too soft on violators.
Many motorists, especially Taxi Drivers seem not to realize that on some junctions, like that on Dalkeith Hill, when the lights are on solid red,in those lanes which you can normally filter through, it means that the junction is on the Pedestrian Crossing mode and all traffic should stop.
Even at a common cross road junction we are now seeing traffic on the minor road cutting across the path of those on the main road.Drivers need to realize who have priority at such junctions.
Instead of the BRSA trying to pick a fight with the Ministry of Transport, they should strive to educate the public more.
Bad Drivers : 12/18/2009
Common courtesy has gone out the window, certain individuals as soon as they get behind the wheel of a vehicle,whether it be a car, bus or truck, believes that only they belongs on the road, and the road becomes a battle zone, all in front of them should be pushed off or knocked out of the way of their vehicles path, Barbados is a very small country, there is no need to rush to get anywhere, if you are running late, it's not the innocent cyclist or pedestrians fault that you are, and run over and killed because of your tardiness. With the ZR nonsense when caught speeding, the driver should be suspended on the spot, and the owner made to send a new driver to continue, the route, many years ago we had a driver on the Rocklyn Buses called Yank (Mercan) we used to hate getting on his bus because he took his time, guess what? everyone got to where ever they were going safely, no passenger was placed in danger nor were other road users, he did the right thing and no one could change him. It's time to think safety first, and get all these dangerous drivers out of their cars and onto their feet, maybe obesity rates and diabetes may yet go down from it.
: 12/13/2009
If the aim of prison is to punish those who commit crime and to then release them back into society following completion of their imposed sentence, it must be hoped that the time spent in prison allows them the opportunity to reflect on their previous crimes, while also possibility rehabiliating them in order that they are able to function as productive adults on their release, therefore why are the moaning regarding mentorship by criminals?
Give this man a chance, we all make mistakes.
I Question : 12/11/2009
I question why my blog was taken down regarding comments made by a deportee who is going around sharing his experience with students. Look this is a democracy and I always felt that someone was censoring the comments made on these blogs. However, what is really needed and is appropriate, is that before these articles are printed that someone make sure that there are factual. When this deportee is stating that half of the criminals in the US are of Caribbean descent, it tells me that the person/s posting these articles are not doing their jobs. Not even 1% of Caribbean nationals are imprisoned in the US. If tourism is a major concern, people reading that article from around world who are not familiar with the Caribbean, might have the tendency to believe this. So it is imperative that facts are given and not 'some made-up story' from a deportee.
Criminal deportees as mentors : 12/11/2009
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Its worth a try as those who have walked that road may be best to share their experiences with our youth. Heavens knows something is needed... Watch this space!
What is going on? : 12/11/2009
Is the level of decay in Barbados such that families are so dysfunctional - that criminals are filling the void as the new mentors and role model for children. This country is seriously in crisis. First - free camps; then free bus rides, now mentorship by criminals. Heaven help us!!!
Redeeming self respect : 12/11/2009
May our religious organizations stand behind these brave youths in this worthwhile hopefully redeeming venture. May we show the compassion of JESUS CHRIST and offer much support!
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