SSP Diaries | The flashing-lights menace

I READ recently where Mr Calvin Allen, a senior superintendent of police, held a press conference in July 2016 in which he urged motorists to desist from putting flashing lights on their vehicles to replicate emergency vehicles. He advised the public then that the law provides for three types of vehicles to be equipped with such features, namely, those belonging to the police, fire brigade and ambulances. Blue lights were reserved for the police, and red for the rest. At the time, an operation was launched to try and clamp down on the illegal usage of these lights.

We are now closing out 2023. In recent times, I have been caught in traffic, and, hearing the sound of wailing sirens approaching, pulled over to allow ‘an emergency vehicle’ the right of way. I observed the following scenarios: a minister of Government on his way to work; a police officer obviously abusing his authority by using the sirens for the wrong reason; private security company vehicles in a hurry to get somewhere; an ambulance plying the same route at the same time daily.

MILITARY VEHICLES

My experiences, on a weekly basis, have led me to conclude that if these operations were truly emergencies, then one could declare Constant Spring Road, Red Hills Road, Hope Road, Old Hope Road, and Lady Musgrave Road as the main thoroughfares for emergencies in the Corporate Area between 8 and 10 a.m. each working day. I have also noted some military vehicles with blue lights mounted, but I have not seen them being used to get through traffic.

Taxi operators can now be observed to be frequent users of flashing white and various other colours of light as they take on the persona of the ‘emergency vehicle’. Motorcyclists have decided that they cannot be left out, and so have adopted the same style/trend and expect that the motorist should give way on their approach. Failure to comply normally results in the blast of a horn, something you would more expect from a truck as they approach or draw alongside your vehicle. This can be startling ... driving in Jamaica is not for the faint-hearted. If you happen to be driving out in the countryside in the dead of night, look out for the lorries, 18-wheelers and above hauling goods to the north, south, east and west. Many are now adorned with flashing orange lights and decked out along their extremities with various other colours. Driving up Spur Tree Hill at about 10 p.m. two weeks ago, I suddenly came upon a huge object coming at me, brightly lit with flashing lights. For a brief second, I thought I was about to have a close encounter with something from outer space! Having pulled over, caressing the embankment, grinding to a halt, I discovered an 18-wheeler slowly descending the main road. I didn’t know whether to be thankful or vent my frustration.

FLASHING-LIGHTS SYNDROME

I write because I believe that the flashing-lights syndrome has become a menace on our roadways across the entire country. If it is that we need to be at work in the mornings, then leave in sufficient time, allowing for the traffic and respecting the other road users. Police officers should lead the way in providing the public with the examples of how to use the road properly, while enforcing the law. The leaders of our country must set the right example for the people to follow the installation/usage of illegal flashing lights; and the trend of abusing one’s authority has created many an accident in the past. The situation will only get worse if not corrected now. I have yet to see an individual on a bicycle trying to beat the system, but that may yet happen!

Our leaders at the highest level must begin by clearly indicating that they will not abuse their privileges and be mindful of the people they are meant to serve. Driving dangerously and recklessly through traffic on our roads with flashing lights and sirens throughout the day and/or night is unnecessary. It is nothing that proper planning and timely execution cannot resolve. Driving vehicles with excessive lighting is also a dangerous practice at night. The haulage industry should take note.

Once proper behaviours are displayed at the head of the stream, the desired actions will filter down and be displayed below. Where there are exceptions to the rules, then the law must take its course. The present situation cannot be allowed to continue. We must ensure that when we hear an emergency siren or see flashing blue or red lights, their purpose is genuine.

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