Now where do Guyanese drivers get off killing others?! It absolutely sickens us here at GuyanaLive.com to see the brash consequences of senseless driving, administrative duties and policing on our small and few roadways.
Let us take this most recent accident (though it should not be called an accident if the driver is consciously reckless), into consideration. The media says that five persons have died so far and about 7 others are injured severely. The details are that a Route 48 (Stabroek to Sophia) minibus was speeding west along Homestretch Avenue, when a tire blew out upon its attempt to overtake another vehicle heading in the same direction. The minibus catapulted, toppled and skidded several times, viciously throwing glass, metal and humans around, before coming to a halt, pinning a few patrons under its mangled shell. Now we see quite a few things completely wrong with this story.
- It is a fact that Homestretch Avenue makes little provision for overtaking unless the vehicle attempting to do so remains entirely within its lane, since there are double solid lines imprinted throughout the carriageway. Anyone who successfully completed the Driver’s License Theoretical Examination should know and remember this, but it seems we do not care.
- It is our knowledge that any driver should have at least three years of driving experience before embarking to take control of a public minibus (or taxi) for daily use. If that is so, how are 20 year olds becoming drivers of minibuses when we in Guyana acquire our Driver’s License at 18 years of age? Absurd is the only word we can summon!
- That previous point makes us think (with disgust) at our Police Force and Administrative bodies. How can one sleep at night with the full knowledge that they have awarded a driver’s license to someone who is incompetent? Does money really outweigh the many lives that have been snuffed from local beings? Additionally, when the Traffic Police stops someone on the roadways who they think has committed an infraction; they should be penalized to the fullest extent of the law every time. Yes, we do agree that the bribes are attractive at times, but know this traffic officers; every time you take a bribe or ask for one you sell a bit of your soul! That may be why some of you are so cold and arrogant.
- Patrons and commuters, this last point is for you and we at GuyanaLive.com ask that you implement and maintain two very important things. First, if you are traveling in a minibus (or taxi) and you feel uncomfortable because of the loud and offensive music, speeding or daring roadway tricks, please demand that the driver cease with immediate effect. If he or she declines then disembark the vehicle at once. If they refuse to stop, you are being kidnapped and you can file a formal police report (even though the police may do nothing); this is an appeal to everyone, young or old, male or female, affluent or struggling. Then, to those of us who are drivers, we ask that you abide by the traffic laws of this majestic country of ours. We at GuyanaLive.com will be the first to say that we occasionally were caught up and influenced into acting reckless or stupid on the roadways, but that will no longer happen. We urge you to stay in your correct lane, wait for the traffic lights and look out for pedestrians and cyclists. Imagine rushing to a million dollar meeting but never making it because you were arrogant enough to think that speeding will make things better. We were never a naïve and dense nation, please let that remain.
By – Patrice Wishart