Think twice before you drive in TT

THE EDITOR: I wish to say something to the bad drivers of Trinidad and Tobago. I feel sorry that you in your anger at being abused in some form or fashion and unable to pay back the person(s) who angered you, are taking it out on other motorists. That is all it is really; the taking out of rage and frustration on innocent people.

Sometimes when I am on the road and I see learners and their instructors, I laugh because they drive so slowly as if they are afraid to pass over an ant walking on the road. But as soon as the same driver gets a licence, it is ‘woe be on to the world’. I also wonder what the instructor is instructing the learner because I see so many ill-mannered and discourteous drivers who never seem to know who has the right of way. They always think it is themselves. From all appearances it seems like they learn from their instructors how to “rush” another driver at intersections, how to usurp the right of way on a narrow roadway where another vehicle is parked in front of them and the oncoming vehicle has the right of way. They also learn to time the traffic lights so that even if they have the red light, they know that the other light has not changed yet, so they can still pass before that happens.

They probably also learn to disregard pedestrians’ rights and instead learn how to try and intimidate them by speeding up when they see one trying to cross the road. That has resulted in many an accident where they actually run over someone, their sick joke having gone too far. We must not forget that the government is largely at fault for not providing adequate roads to facilitate the growing number of vehicles on the road. I wonder if they feel that ordinary people should not have moving conveyances and only they are entitled. The government of this country likes to fancy itself as being au courant with everything the North Americans do but cannot conceive of providing adequate public transport for citizens.

I would like to make special mention of truck drivers. I wonder who is in charge of employing them. Sometimes while driving on the highway, as I am about to overtake a truck drifting on the left lane, lo and behold, said truck pops out from his spot behind another vehicle and in front of me. It matters not a wit at what speed I am driving; I could ram into the rear of his truck for all he cares. That is not even the worst of it. Nine times out of ten, when I glance at the driver, he looks as if he is not even on this planet. It seems as if he is either drunk or hadn’t slept for months. He is usually looking straight ahead, totally unconscious of nearly totalling another driver along with his car.

The only thing I will say about maxi taxis is that if I have to take a public transport, it is not going to be one of those. If by chance they wiggle their finger at me in a “you travelling tanty” sign language, I just turn my head the other way. I might consider a bus, but buses do not pass in my area and if I have to go to town I must plug my ears with cotton to avoid listening to the only radio channel they have. At this stage I have to compliment all drivers who show courtesy on the roads. Whenever you show me some courtesy, I always acknowledge by nodding my head. Keep it up. I am sure that you relieve your frustrations by punching a Manning pillow instead.

VERA JAMES
Chaguanas