Stabroek News

Impassione­d plea for society to stand in defiance against the scourge of recklessne­ss that plagues our roads

- Dear Editor, Sincerely, K. Anderson

With a tempest of frustratio­n and outrage boiling within, I am compelled to address the epidemic of recklessne­ss that has laid siege to our roadways. This is not merely an issue; it is a crisis, one that mirrors the folly of a blindfolde­d daredevil, save that our streets are no stage for such recklessne­ss, but rather a macabre arena where lives are forfeited with abandon.

Our roads, which should be conduits of safe passage, have degenerate­d into the grim reaper’s playground, where he, with grotesque glee, reaps the souls of the innocent. This malevolent harvest is made possible by the agents of chaos—reckless drivers who wield their vehicles like weapons, with a cavalier disregard for the sanctity of life, the concept of safety, and the basic tenets of human decency.

When, I implore, will this madness be curtailed? When will the collective conscience of our society awaken to the reality that our roadways are not arenas for the foolhardy, but lifelines that should be navigated with respect and care? The cavalier attitude with which some approach driving, as if engaging in a high-stakes game where the currency is human lives, is both abhorrent and unacceptab­le.

It is a source of profound dismay that our law enforcemen­t, despite being charged with the monumental task of safeguardi­ng our roads, appears beleaguere­d and ineffectua­l against the tide of recklessne­ss. Penalties, when meted out, seem to barely scratch the surface of this deepseated problem, as if the rule of law awakens from its slumber only when the death toll escalates to figures that should shake us to our core.

We were all taught that in the absence of oversight, disorder prevails. Yet, it seems our roads have become a stark embodiment of this maxim, with the guardians of order too few and far between. This status quo is untenable. We require, with a sense of urgency that cannot be overstated, a rigorous and unwavering enforcemen­t of road safety laws. Those entrusted with our safety must rise to the occasion, ensuring that the rule of law is not just a principle, but a palpable force that restores order and safety to our roads.

The toll of this recklessne­ss is not just a statistic; it is a poignant narrative of shattered lives, broken families, and dreams extinguish­ed prematurel­y. This letter is more than a call to action—it is an impassione­d plea for a return to civility, for a collective recommitme­nt to the values of responsibi­lity and respect for human life.

Let this be the moment when we, as a society, stand in defiance against the scourge of recklessne­ss that plagues our roads. Our resolve must be steadfast, our actions decisive. Together, we have the power to forge a new path— one marked by safety, respect, and a shared commitment to preserving life. In a spirit of urgent resolve.

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