The immense pain and suffering that result from road accidents have their parallel in the economic cost to the country. It is estimated that road accidents cost developing countries between one and three per cent of gross domestic product each year, which means that is one more negative holding back economic growth and national prosperity.
The health-care system is put under pressure, insurance business is challenged, families and communities are torn apart and the nation is robbed of the talent of promising young people who are killed or become incapacitated. Many of these accidents are avoidable and can be put down to human recklessness.
The carnage on the road tends to be at its numerical worse around holiday time, and so we can expect to hear further bad news as we enter the festive season, when the risk of drunk-driving increases. If we accept that a safe and efficient public-transportation system underpins economic activity, then road safety ought to occupy a greater presence at the table of strategic thinking.
traffic accidents
We have seen here that the introduction of seat belts, increased speed traps, Breathalyser tests and demerit points have not put a significant dent in traffic accidents and fatalities. It means we need fresh thinking and an innovative approach to road safety. It is not enough to trot out statistics at the end of each year. When these statistics are being recited the public should be provided with better particulars so people can exercise good judgement when electing to use public transport.
For example, are minibuses responsible for the highest number of traffic deaths? Are there serial offenders among minibus drivers? And, if so, are they ever punished? How many minibus drivers have been banned from driving because of multiple infractions? Is it time to post photographs of serial road-traffic offenders?
We are suggesting that commuters also have a role to play in their own safety. Passengers are often to blame for embracing this minibus culture in which the driver is hustling to get them to their destinations in the shortest possible time. If it means that the driver overtakes improperly, drives the wrong way on a one-way street, turns where there is no turn permitted, stops on a pedestrian crossing, it does not matter. These transgressions are all forgiven because the driver is doing all of this for the benefit of his passengers.
Passengers need to have the guts to challenge drivers when they speed or breach traffic codes. They need to start treating offending drivers with the disdain they deserve. It is far better to face derision from the driver and other passengers than to become a victim. We also need greater police vigilance and a more consistent and impartial enforcement of the traffic code.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.