Stricter sanctions needed

THE EDITOR, Madam:

While I think that the new Road Traffic Act is a step in the right direction, there are many systemic issues that the Government is seemingly not trying to address. If we go by the number of road-traffic deaths over the last few years, that in itself seems to require a state of emergency.

As another reader pointed out in a recent letter to the editor, everyone knows someone who has bought their driver’s licence. I think we all know someone who has also died in a car accident. I would also go as far as to say that we all know someone who has been pulled over by a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for speeding or reckless driving and asked the question, “Lef’ or write?”

These are the issues that need to be addressed before we will see any true reduction in the number of road-traffic accidents.

COMPUTER-BASED TEST

As a start, I think it is time that the Government switches the written test to a computer-based one. Often times, it is not just motor vehicle examiners who are in on the ‘bandooloo’ business, but the entire staff of the examination depot. If the written test is changed to a computer-based format, this will filter out those who have no business doing a road test in the first place.

Additionally, there needs to be stricter sanctions placed on members of the constabulary who ask for bribes when they pull over motorists for offences. I have been pulled over by brown-suit police officers and asked for bribes.

HUGH MAGNUS