When road courtesy becomes a challenge
published: Wednesday | March 3, 2004
THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON SATURDAY, February 7, 2004, I stopped at the pedestrian crossing close to the gate of St. Joseph's Teachers' College to allow a young lady coming from the College to cross. Before I stopped, I made sure that it was safe to do so. I then put my double indicator on. The young lady proceeded to cross and acknowledged the courtesy with a 'Thank you'. Just as she was half-way across, a dark grey Toyota Townace coming from behind, overtaking all the vehicles almost hit her. She just had time to lean back with a loud sigh: Oh my God!
It was so fast and unexpected. I was dumbfounded and could not move for a good while. Like lightning, past news of similar accidents flashed through my mind as I contemplated what could have happened.
There are just too many reckless drivers in Jamaica. The recent stiffer traffic penalties seem to have little or no impact on the way people drive. Maybe the Government should think about something different. In some countries pedestrian crossings are signalled and marked on the road. If the signs and penalties do not work maybe it is time we come up with something that drivers will have to obey: sleeping police some 25/30 metres before any pedestrian crossing. This may cause less comfort for drivers but at least it will make pedestrian crossings a little safer.
