THESE few concerns herein I am sure are worrisome to many other road users.First, let me say that it is so sad today because, more than ever alcohol usage has become the number one priority for so many of our citizens, which leads to physical and verbal abuse, child molestation, rape, broken families and homes, violence and even death; not only to those who consume it, but also those who are innocently affected by the irresponsible behaviour of the drunken person.
Many times we hear of accidents caused by drunk drivers, speeding and stray animals. However, there are others that frequently occur, but go either untold or hidden behind those who choose to take sides and not let the truth be known to the public about who the real perpetrators are for the cause of some of the accidents on our roads.
Let us take, for instance, two articles; one carried by the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday March 29, 2014, captioned ‘Phagwah Day accident victim still in serious condition’, involving Gavin Gordon and a rice farmer; and another carried by Kaieteur News on Tuesday April 1, 2014 captioned ‘Phagwah Day accident leaves father of seven bedridden’ – Driver of vehicle involved offered (victim) $20,000 compensation.
This a case where Mr. Gordon was drunk and staggered across the public road in front of the vehicle involved in the accident, not even paying attention to the traffic approaching, and there were many who witnessed the accident. He is fortunate to be alive, and the driver of the vehicle was not drunk or speeding because the outcome of the accident would have been worse, as we see on many occasions.
Can you imagine the consequences if the vehicle that hit him was occupied by passengers and had ended in fatalities for the occupants had the vehicle crashed into one oncoming; or he had walked in-front of a police outrider while on duty and caused officers to lose their lives, similar to what happened just a few weeks ago, whereby stray cattle caused a fatal accident with a police officer?
These cases leave me with a few questions: 1) When there is a road accident involving two or more parties, why only the drivers are tested for the use of alcohol and not all parties involved i.e. pedestrians and pedal cyclists?
2) If a driver is found driving under the influence of alcohol he is charged; why not have a law to test and charge the drunken pedal cyclists and pedestrians since they become an obstruction to traffic?
3) When damages are done to vehicles through accidents caused by drunk pedestrian, who pays for the repairs of those vehicles?
4) Why so often only the pedestrians are referred to as the innocent human beings and drivers are referred to as monsters, more so in the media?
5) Why don’t the writers of the articles in the press do some research before they publish stories covering only one side?
I would encourage the writers of the articles to have a balanced coverage.
In this world today, some choose to be constructive, save their money and live in a decent home, drive a comfortable vehicle, study and pursue goals; while others choose to get do drugs, gamble and get drunk, but in the end all of us are humans and we should be responsible for our actions.
Justice will be served on facts and evidence.
NIRANJANIE BASSOODEO
