The Editor, Sir:

Regarding the article, 'Careless drivers put children at risk '(published November 7), I do believe that the whole process and standards by which a driver's licence is issued should be reviewed and updated.

However, a holistic approach would be to certify instructors, enforce accountability of examiners/examination departments and strict policing.

How many accident investigations have led back to the examination department?

Whether the culprit is a defective vehicle, or an 'incompetent' driver, both were authorised by the examination department for use on the Jamaican roads.

Unfortunately, too many of our police officers turn a blind eye to traffic offences for the reason that they don't want to go to court or they're ignorant that an offence has been committed or simply don't care.

More so in Montego Bay, there's a lack of properly placed crosswalks; inadequate time provided by traffic lights for pedestrians and the failure of motorists to comply with the stop sign/bold white line. At a major intersection in MoBay, motorists make U-turns from as far as three lanes away from the median.

I would like to see examiners unique ID included on driver's licences, information printed on relevant documents (not hand-written), police officers attend court, emergency vehicles fitted with proper audible and visual apparatus and mandatory driving school attendance for offenders.

Motor vehicle accident investigations should include the driver's medical and traffic history; motor vehicle examination by an independent body, motor vehicle history and an examiner's comments upon issuing licences. As a nation, we need to protect our most valuable asset - our people.

I am, etc.,

A. Driver

elrodex@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica