Respected Sir,
I am writing this letter to your high office as per the news
concerning road accidents which are increasing day by day in our deaths every
day. The citizens are not safe on the roads of Banjul to Brikama and across the
country. Road accidents have been on the increase in the country in spite of
the precaution of the traffic measures.
The main cause of road accidents is harsh driving. People drive their vehicles
carelessly. Some drivers drive their vehicles after taking some drink. But it
is dangerous because drinking and driving can't go together.
We all know that human lives are precious and it can't be left on these
careless drivers who ignore the road cautions and signals. We should not show
mercy on them. They should be caught and punished. Beside it regular patrolling
of police on important places and Dope-test of drivers should be done
regularly. The rules should be followed strictly to avoid these accidents.
These road accidents occur due to the lack of civic sense in the
people and their ignorance of road and traffic signals. The pedestrians are
overrun because they try to cross the roads at places of their choice. The
number of accidents of people riding scooters and bicycles are very high
because most of the young men are beginners and do not know how to ride on
traffic.
It is high time that your noble institution took a serious view of
the lapses on the part of the drivers. This can be done only by levying heavy
fines and the forfeiture of their licenses. Licenses, too, should be checked
frequently.
I have seen many walkers, runners, joggers and bicyclists
practicing potentially dangerous actions being on the wrong side of the road.
Runners, walkers and joggers should always be on the left side of the road
facing oncoming traffic.
Being on the right side with traffic at your back can be dangerous
because you cannot see traffic coming and cannot get out of the way if it is
close to you.
It may not be possible for cars to move to the left due to traffic
in the lanes to their left. When it is dark, people should wear or carry
something reflective so motorists can see them.
Practicing these simple rules will assure our safety. Parents, should
be advised to tell their children to abide by the traffic rules and set examples
by practicing the rules too.
The rule of the road for bicyclists is to always ride on the right
side of the road the same way that cars are traveling. Ride to the side of the
road and abide by the same rules that cars follow stopping for all stop signs
and red traffic lights.
An excellent safety item for a bicycle is a rear view mirror so you
can see traffic behind you and move safely to the side of the road. Bicycles
should have reflectors on the bike and clothing if riding at night. A light and
rear reflector will help motorist see the bike riders better.
Several bike riders in the past year have suffered serious head
injuries in bike accidents because they were not wearing a helmet.
Motorists, should be aware of bicyclists, runners and walkers. When
they come upon them, they should slow down and move to the left and safely go
around them. They should not honk or
yell at them. This could startle the person and lead to an accident.
I shall be grateful if you kindly give consideration to the matter
so that the traffic authorities wake up to the need of security of the people
and take strong measures against the erring drivers.
The Gambia belongs to us The Gambians both those home and abroad,
and by putting our thoughts on paper we shall reach at a solution.
Sincerely,
Saidina
Alieu Jarjou
Blogger,
Activist
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