We are a very indisciplined and selfish society. We continue to skirt the rules and manipulate the system to suit ourselves, yet we are the most vicious when we are wronged.The situation on our nation's roads today is a typical example.The nation's roadways have been converted into killing fields, with daily reports of accidents and fatal crashes, only explained by "the driver lost control of the vehicle."
We are always in a hurry, but never on time. We show neither courtesy nor patience to our fellow drivers.It seems the speed limit is to be used as a guide rather than a limit. Hand signals are a thing of the past. Indicators are only for last minute turns and hazard lights are for use in heavy rain.The shoulder is for special people who are not obligated to wait, like the rest of us. Since when do our highways have a "fast lane"?My humble advice for those wishing to drive, is:
�2 Be 21 years or older to have a driver's permit.
�2 Study and write a detailed driver's exam, to ensure knowledge of proper road regulations and practices.
This exam would include:
�2 Knowledge of proper vehicle maintenance and functioning; eg: checking proper oil/fluid levels; safely changing a flat tire, etc.
�2 Certification as a defensive driver.
Upon meeting the above criteria, new drivers would then be granted a Provisional Drivers Permit for one year, to allow them to drive:
�2 During the hours of 7 am�6 pm
�2 Only in the presence of a licensed diver with five years or more experience
After one year, the driver would take a practical driver's test, to include skills like:
�2 Parallel parking
�2 Interpreting the road markings. E.g. long dash lines, short dash lines, double lines
�2 Interpreting road signs
�2 Overtaking
�2 Merging onto the highway
�2 Driving in rainy weather
�2 Approaching an intersection
Our existing archaic road regulations act should be updated to allow:
�2 A reasonable speed limit for highways (90km\hr)
�2 Penalties for persons driving on the right lane of the highway, which is only for overtaking
�2 Large vehicles (buses, trucks) should be restricted to one lane of the highway, as well as a speed limit
�2 A point system for repeat traffic offenders which would result in a person's licence being suspended or taken away as well as higher insurance premiums
�2 Convicted drunk drivers, besides paying a penalty, should be made to do community service, such as pick up trash on the side of the road, thus proving to be a further deterrent.
While I do believe there are responsible drivers among us, we are in the minority.
Varun Persad
Fyzabad