The Editor, Sir:

As the mayhem and carnage continue on our roads, I believe it is high time that the authorities consider stiffer penalties - fines, and in some instances imprisonment, for certain breaches and repeat offenders of the Road Traffic Act.

Our children, mothers and fathers are being killed every day on these streets, mainly because of the disease called 'indiscipline' that has become so rampant in every stratum of our lives. How long will we stand by and watch?

There are so many unpaid tickets that it's very clear that the system doesn't work. There has been talk of revamping it, but I believe the time has come for more action and less talk.

State has failed

Little Abby-Gail Lugg, destined for great things, and Lori-Ann Townsend, a young woman on the verge of making something of her life, are both dead - mowed down by a reckless and lawless road hog, who should not be on the road had the system worked. The state has failed and should be held accountable to the injured and the family of the deceased persons.

One only needs to stand on any major thoroughfare in Jamaica for a few minutes to clearly see the scant regard that some of these drivers have for other users of the road, be they fellow motorists or pedestrians.

Some of them will stop in the middle of the road to chat with their friends. Others overtake on the unbroken white line, around deep bends and corners, and even at stop signs and intersections, while some think it a waste of time to stop at pedestrian crossings. These are just some of the examples.

Strong measures needed

If and when they are caught, some of them just laugh, pay the fine imposed and, in most instances, start doing the same thing as soon as they leave court or Inland Revenue Department. They will even brag that money is nothing to them, while some simply refuse to pay.

Not until strong measures are put in place to imprison these men and women (yes, you heard me correctly, our women are catching on and in some instances outdoing the men) will they understand that money is not everything, and that the law should be respected and adhered to in every way.

I am, etc.,

URIEL N. WILLIAMS

williu2005@yahoo.com

Bushy Park Gdns

May Pen, Clarendon

Via Go-Jamaica