Inspecting vehicles will not curb accidents

THE EDITOR: In response to the Association of Vehicle Inspection Station (AVIS), President Mr Phillip Greaves, I beg to differ. The honourable gentleman is recommending that vehicles be inspected annually instead of biannually as a measure of eradicating the carnage on the roads as we have recently witnessed. The President should look at what is done at some of the inspection stations that he claims to represent, than try to compare with foreign countries. We are all aware that anyone can get a certificate of inspection at most if not all inspection stations if the right price is paid. With limited resources and throwing safety to the wind, many would prefer to pay a small token and get their vehicle “passed” than doing repairs that can run into hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars.

Mr Greaves rightly mentioned that many major accidents are caused by faulty parts and components. He went on to say that accidents are caused and do not happen; by loss of control, reckless driving, speeding, blurred vision and driving under the influence of alcohol. Please tell me how can an annual vehicle inspection curb these menaces. I think this is a slanted look from an economical point of view. Let us consider annual inspection at a cost of $85. If within 30 days of inspection of a vehicle it is found to be defective; the inspection garage be charged for potential manslaughter and any vehicle found not inspected be impounded and disposed of by the state, I am sure many lives will be saved on our nation’s road.

NARJUNE KISSOON
Tunapuna