Stop signs: are they really necessary?
THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHY IS it that many drivers in Jamaica don’t obey the traffic laws, and stop at a STOP SIGN?
Do they feel that these signs are not necessary, and are just placed there as a thought of what you should do?
When I say STOP. I mean, actually come to a complete stop. Not drive behind the car that is in front of you, or gently roll past the sign into the intersection.
On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, on Seymour Avenue in St Andrew, I almost met in what could have been a fatal car accident.
As I proceeded from my stationary position at the four-way stop, a car to my right came at a speed, with not even a second glance at the stop sign on their side. By the grace of God, the driver swerved in time not to hit me on my driver’s side.
When I stopped to take a breath, I said to myself there was no way he could not have seen that it was a four-way stop.
Why did he think he could just barrel through the intersection?
Well, I did not get the chance to ask him, but the fact is, he, like many other drivers, doesn’t see the need to follow street signs, or obey traffic laws.
Whether it’s Seymour Avenue, Half-Way Tree or Old Hope Road, it does not matter.
The driving going on in Jamaica is nothing short of MADNESS.
Drivers in Jamaica do what they want, even when there is a policeman or policewoman in view when it happens.
Every evening I see the same thing. Taxis overtaking 10 cars and going right through the stop sign.
Where are the police? I can tell you where. STANDING UP at a street corner looking as the cars go by. Yes, that’s right. No car or motorbike to stop the offender. They get dropped off and picked up.
With more and more drivers on the road, and our Government trying hard to curb the rising death toll on the road, the time has come to end the madness on our roads.
Public education campaigns teaching road rules, and police enforcing rules, especially during heavy traffic time, would be a great place to start.
Let’s work together to make our roads safer for all.
Next time it could be your life. A CONCERNED CITIZEN