By Margaret Burke

OBVIOUSLY moved by tragic loss of lives on the roads of Guyana, especially as a result of the most recent vehicular accidents, President David Granger has spoken. He wished the survivors a speedy recovery, and extended sympathy to the relatives, families and friends of those who have been killed or injured. So far, there has been over 120 fatalities, along with endless untold stories of physical and psychological injuries.
Indeed, according to the President, “The deaths, disabilities and injuries and damage to property caused by accidents on our roads are deeply distressing.” It seems excessive – this wanton waste of precious lives; people who were in the prime of their productive ages; young and full of promise. Yet, as soon as we think that steady flow of accidents are coming to some closure there is a recurrence.
President Granger referred to it as “This insane increase in road fatalities…” Insane it is indeed, because from all appearances, even though such an enormous amount of persons’ relatives, families and friends have so suddenly faded out of existence, yet there are so many more out there willing to take the chance to drive recklessly.

NO ADVANCE PREPARATION
The fact is that while not every fatality or injury was as a result of speeding or careless driving on the roads, far too many of them were. As a result, children, even the unborn, siblings, fathers, mothers, guardians, and others have lost their lives. Many of these deaths are instant, and left no room for preparation. Therefore, a rapid assessment of the socioeconomic situation in the lives of many left behind would show a very interesting tale. The consequences of many of these accidents, in some ways, are greater than the death of the loved one. Yes, most people would prefer any other state of affairs than to have to endure the loss of a child, a father, a mother or other.
However, the old adage that ‘one thing leads to another’ is therefore quite apt here. Most of the people who met their sudden demise, or those who have to suffer injuries and infirmities, and in some cases endless pain were on an errand. Some of them were going to work; some to transact business; others to school or some other training; while there were some who were going to attend to other matters. In one case, a ‘would-have-been’ mother was on her way to make sure that her health and that of her baby was going fine, as ‘the day’ approached. One way or another, they all left their homes to be on a mission, with the hope of returning.
What happens to those who are left behind? In fact, there is no one in all of society who is not affected by what is taking place on our roads. The victims of these accidents and their families, their other relatives and friends, employers, and society at large are all affected by this tragic situation. In some cases, it leaves a gaping wound that never really heals because of many other resultant factors.

THE SOCIOECONOMIC BURDEN
In addition to the fact that the loss of lives as a result of motor vehicular accidents cost the government a great deal of money, society also pays a price. Studies have shown that the apparatuses of the society include cost relating to the loss of productivity, property damage, medical costs, rehabilitation costs, congestion costs, legal and court costs, emergency services such as medical, police, and fire services, insurance administration costs, and the costs to employers.
This does not exclude the values for more intangible consequences such as physical pain or lost quality-of-life, which the family has to bear, either permanently or temporarily. The fact is that many of the victims or their dependents are forced to rely on other relatives, friends and even the society, in some cases to literally stay alive, or at least to be able to endure their circumstances. Aside from these economic consequences, victims suffer from physical pain, disability, and emotional impacts that can greatly reduce the quality of their lives.

PRESIDENT’S 3-POINT APPROACH
President David Granger had proposed a three-point approach at the launch of Road Safety Month since 2015. His approach related to more stringent enforcement of our traffic laws, including those proscribing driving under the influence of alcohol, playing distracting music, and the use of cellular phones while driving. In this regard, he urged stricter enforcement, which will help to promote greater safety on the roads, including the enforcement of speed limits and limitations on the lawful complement of cargo and passengers by commercial and public transportation vehicles.
The President’s proposal also included greater road safety education, through a systematic and sustained countrywide campaign that must be conducted. Mention was also made of the drivers’ licensing process that must be strengthened, so as to ensure that only competent and responsible persons are certified to drive vehicles, especially passenger vehicles on roadways. This included overloading, speeding or playing excessively loud music.

Mr. Granger also proposed the improved engineering solutions to ensure safer roadways, many of which were never intended to be highways or public roads. He added that sidewalks, pavements and overpasses, where possible, must be installed to ensure pedestrian safety, along with other ‘safe’ conditions. Some of these proposals have already materialised. Others are still to come.