Unsafe roads and highways
I refer to your editorial on the above subject published on the first of April. I'm afraid I cannot agree with your conclusion that the solution lies in better law enforcement. Many years ago in a management school, I learnt that the solution to a problem is not necessarily one that is the best, or the ideal, but the solution that can be implemented. I believe that strict law enforcement such as speed control etc. will not solve the problem. It is just impossible to enforce. What is the speed limit on our national highways? Nobody knows, let alone enforce it. How does one enforce it, without radar speed detectors or similar equipment? And does the speed limit have any value when the roads are potted and rickshaws and pedestrians walk on the same road. I suggest instead that the only solution lies in the owners of such vehicles imposing proper driving habits on their drivers. This can only be done if the owners could be penalized for loss of life or injury caused by their vehicles, whatever the cause may be.
I wonder what happened to compulsory insurance, which we heard about many years ago. Possibly the mechanism could be compulsory insurance for accidents with very hefty premiums. The premium can come down if the owners can avoid any accident. Eventually, the owner will take care of his driver and his vehicle when the penny pinches.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments