Enforce rules on shoulder driving

THE EDITOR: Using the shoulder of the highways puts motorists and other road users in serious danger. It should be considered criminal with severe penalties because it severely reduces visibility for drivers on the left lane and causes confusion for other drivers and they may who may mistakenly use the shoulder.

Other drivers might be startled or become frightened when they observe a vehicle where it should not be, and this can cause serious life-threatening accidents.

Another dangerous driving behaviour which occurs regularly on our highways is a vehicle reversing on the shoulder when the driver misses a turn-off. This is a recipe for disaster.

Drivers must be constantly reminded of the road rules and understand the risks they create for themselves and others. High fines are there to punish those who do not obey the rules but, more importantly, drivers must understand why they are being punished and how important it is to follow the rules of the road for their safety and others.

Strict enforcement of the road rules and awareness campaigns are needed to enhance road safety. Drivers must have the feeling of being watched when they break the rules. The strict approach must be accompanied by long-lasting and permanent educational campaigns.

In TT it has become so dangerous to live peaceably so we have to keep looking over our shoulders in order to be safe.

SIMON WRIGHT

Chaguanas