Does speed cause accidents, or is it recklessness?

THE high number of road accidents in this country can only be reduced if road safety experts and advocates realise the main cause is not speeding per se but haste. Speeding is normally associated with travelling at high speed. Therefore, it is logical to assume that accidents would be reduced by lowering the maximum speed limit.

But if minimum speed limits are introduced for three lane highways, there would be less motorists hogging the centre and right lanes. Few drivers realise that the right lane is for overtaking, the centre lane for vehicles just below the speed limit, and left lane for slower vehicles.

Most accidents are caused by motorists changing lanes to over- take along highways, trunk roads and city streets when drivers do not notice the vehicles behind, especially motorcyclists. Drivers in a rush often take a chance based on a few seconds, hoping those behind would spot their manoeuvre and slow down on time.

Those who have acquired the habit of being in a rush when driving would continue the same manner even when they are in no particular hurry to reach a destination. Undoubtedly, it is the main cause of accidents and can happen at any speed, even when reversing the car out of the house.

Those who rush would keep changing lanes or accelerate whenever there is a gap in front of them. Their excessive speed relative to the traffic flow coupled with sud- den turns and stops have resulted in many side and rear end collisions.

No static cameras, including those deployed by the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS) can capture such reckless driving. The most effective method to reduce road accidents is to rally the public to install high quality dashboard cameras in their commercial and private vehicles, and submit evidence of traffic offences to the Road Transport Department.

These motorists could be paid a percentage from the compound fines collected. This method could be implemented nationwide overnight at minimal cost to the government. On the other hand, AwAS static cameras are not only expensive to install, they are inefficient compared to the millions of vehicles on the road, and many motorists are eager to contribute to road safety.