This has reference to the column “The war on our roads” by Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg. (March 17)
The writer has given a hair raising graphic explanation of the dangers lurking on our roads, and has presented the facts and figures, which is really worrisome. In fact, the behavior on road, which is causing accidents, can no longer be tolerated as it is nothing but road terrorism as has rightly been termed by an official.
It is no joke to have 30 percent of the beds in the hospitals occupied by the patients injured in road accidents and 20 deaths a day is not acceptable under any circumstances. Although relatively very less, and the maximum being 41 percent of what had been recorded in Saudi Arabia, I was even shocked to see such a higher rate of deaths in road accidents in Japan, Germany, United Kingdom and the US.
The Saher system can just reduce the number of accidents due to speed and signal crossing in certain areas by a very smaller fraction. There is a need now for increased patrolling on highways and monitoring of the thoroughfares by means of helicopters and other technological aides.
Besides, the legal framework be strengthened to strictly impose penalties on the offenders and repeated offences be dealt with very harshly.
Wherever speed is found to be the main reason of the accident, the culprit must be obliged to bear all of the damages to the injured and insurance coverage be not extended. This move should be publicized in order that the drivers are made aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of their being reckless on roads.
The cases involving injuries and death be heard in special courts so that they are disposed of quickly. Wherever it is proved that the cause of the accident was utter recklessness of the driver, he should be sentenced to jail for a period depending upon the severity and the damages caused and he should not be just handed a fine or freed after his insurers pay for the damage. It is the public right, which demands that the offenders are punished for causing road terror. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
Reducing road recklessness
