Road safety: Difficult decisions needed

Editor, Refer to the article, ‘Who is to blame for the fatal road accidents?” (The New Times, July 26). This is just a symptom of a much greater and looming disease. The word “disease” is being used to describe a sick situation that we as Rwandans need to eliminate very quickly, otherwise the cost will be too high. Why do we allow drivers on the road that have not been sufficiently trained to drive trucks or trailers? There should be a very stringent and thorough process by which one can obtain a permit, and also tough punishment for those who drive without one. The traffic superintendent needs to go back to the drawing board regarding traffic laws, and we should also demand for clear presentation of who owns and operates these “driving schools”. I see them on the road, jam-packed with other passengers and wonder who is teaching who. And, why do we allow truck owners to overwork their drivers simply to avoid employing more people just to save a few francs but at the expense of peoples’ lives? To give credit where it is due, though, the police are doing a great job on our streets. However, we need to re-visit these critical issues on driving licences, driving tests and who operates these businesses. Jacqueline, Rwanda

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Road safety: Difficult decisions needed