Drivers more dangerous to humans than dogs

I honestly hope that the new dangerous dogs legislation makes the owners of dogs responsible for any attacks on any individual. But to ban certain breeds is not a solution. Vehicles kill 20 to 50 times more people than dogs do. Just compare road death statistics to humans attacked and killed by dogs. If we propose to ban certain dogs, maybe we should look at banning vehicles as well. Far less people will die.

I have said before that road deaths will continue until the Government and the Opposition agree to legislate the use of radar technology in this country. It’s not cars that kill people, it’s the drivers. Most of the road deaths occur as a result of drivers speeding, not drinking.

It is fantastic to note that Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana have had this legislation in place for years and the police in those countries can be seen using it on daily. Many of my friends have said it will never happen in T&T because of our culture and that if radar use were to become law prominent businessmen and politicians will be behind bars in a week. 

After years of trying to raise consciousness and advocating the introduction of radar technology, I am now starting to believe my friends—politicians refuse to address this issue. Neither the PNM, the NAR, the UNC, the PP nor any other party in the past has ever tried to introduce this. The alarming number of road deaths will therefore continue unabated.

Ivan Grimes
Via e-mail