THE EDITOR, Sir:HAVING LIVED overseas for many years, I realise that there is a certain protocol to be followed when driving on a highway. I am concerned that my fellow drivers are not very knowledgeable about highway driving. Roads are being built and there is no proper drivers' education plan.
Signs should be posted every 3km reminding drivers that vehicles driving at a slower speed should travel in the left-hand lane, in order to avoid constant switching of lanes by drivers who are travelling faster. Most accidents, which occur with cars going in one direction, are as a result of improper lane changing. The media should be used to the fullest extent to educate our drivers.
Driving schools in Canada and the United States teach people that there is a blind spot, which cannot be seen through the rear-view mirror, (that is; when a vehicle is beside another, approximately bumper to bumper). Unless drivers do a shoulder check or unless the side mirrors are set properly, the vehicle behind cannot be seen.
On my recent visit to Toronto, Canada, driving on the QEW, there were several signs posted along the highway reminding drivers to check their 'blind spot'. There were signs reminding slower moving vehicles to use the right lane (in North America). Broken down vehicles have been seen doing repairs just off the right hand lane instead of off the left lane.
I would urge the Government in conjunction with all the insurance companies, to launch an educational programme on the proper use of highways using all forms of the media.
I am, etc.,
KHALEEL AZAN
8-10 Broadway Road
Kimberly, Kingston 8
