Sarah, just another statistic

THE EDITOR: Permit me to comment on the road scene of Trinidad. Fifteen years ago a family member of mine, Mr Jaikaran, was involved in a hit and run accident, whereby the motorbike he was riding was hit from behind throwing him onto the road/highway (a little way before the Preysal Flyover, heading south). Eyewitness reports have it that while he was trying to crawl to the side of the road, oncoming speeding vehicles, unable to stop, drove over him instantly killing him. No arrest was made nor was anyone held accountable.

A couple of days ago, the hit and run accident of Ms Lauren Sarah Bholasingh captured the interest of the nation where she was a victim of a multiple hit and run accident. Her family is still unable to get the identity of the driver involved. On May 3 she was cremated at Waterloo Cremation Site. Will the same hold for Ms Lauren? Would she just be another statistic in our road fatality book?  How many more must be added to this book before we adhere to the speed limit? When would our relevant authorities efficiently enforce these laws? My deepest and sincerest condolence goes out to the affected family.

I hope the conscience of those drivers who were involved in those “hit and run” accidents, somehow affect them in a positive way not only to come to the fore and admit what they have done but also effect some sort of change in his/her driving habits as well as that of his/her friends and family creating a domino effect. Hopefully, resulting in an adherence to our speed limit 80 km/h. Probably our road fatalities would be closer to zero and less sad and grieving families. Remember: Be such a man (woman) and live such a life that if every man (woman) were such as you and every life like yours, this earth would be a God’s paradise.

LAWRENCE NATHANIEL
Freeport