THE EDITOR, Sir:
SINCE RETURNING to Jamaica almost a year ago, after several years of absence, I have become increasingly frustrated about the Kingston traffic situation. Unfortunately for me, I have to spend at least 15 hours in peak hour traffic per week, just to get to and from work. Not exactly a productive use of anybody's time! The current traffic conditions would probably be more bearable, however, if the average Kingston driver would be motivated by a sense that we are all in this mess together. No such luck! On Kingston's streets these days, it is every man for himself (and, yes, I am mainly talking about male driving behaviour here) and it now seems to be a point of honour for many to drive with reckless disregard for other people's safety and property.
Kingston's traffic situation gives new meaning to the (in)famous statement that in Jamaica, those who play by the rules get shafted. I am rather diligent about such things as respecting speed limits and actually stopping at traffic lights and stop signs but this means that I am constantly subjected to horn-blowing, verbal abuse and assorted forms of intimidation, including some spectacularly insane overtake manoeuvres. Mean-while, the police only seem interested in collecting revenue, whether for the State or other beneficiaries, and not in maintaining a basic sense of order in traffic.
MISBEHAVIOUR ON OUR ROADS
True enough, the police presence on the roads has recently been increased but our more 'spectacular' drivers are obviously undeterred and most tickets seem to go to the more disciplined (female) drivers amongst us, probably because we are easier to stop. As we all know, the police are themselves responsible for some of the more blatant misbehaviour on our roads.
I am truly sick and tired of this clenched-teeth driving here in Kingston, which is so unnecessary and counterproductive. If only all this wasted mental and physical energy could be channelled more productively, say in the economy or in human development, this would be blessed country indeed!
I am, etc.,
'TRULY DISGRUNTLED
DRIVER'
St Andrew
