NRSC on Portland accident
Published:Monday | December 22, 2008 | 4:56 PM
The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) wants the government to move speedily in passing the revised Road Traffic Act.
The renewed call comes in the wake of Friday’s tragic crash in Portland that left 14 people, including a 10-year-old boy dead.
Executive Director of the Council, Paula Fletcher says its critical that the Act be passed early next year in an effort to prevent a further increase in road fatalities.
She says the new act is still being drafted.
The current Road Safety Act dates back to the 1930’s.
Mrs. Fletcher says the new act which makes provisions for a ticketing system will help the police to enforce the road rules.
The police will also be able to issue tickets for many traffic breaches including overloaded vehicles under the proposed legislation.
Mrs. Flecther added that the new act will also help in keeping the number of persons killed on the nations roadway below 300 per year.
Police statistics indicate that 325 people have been killed in road crashes so far this year.