Discipline perpetrators of road accidents
Around 83 percent of people accused in road accidents are not arrested, according to a recent statement by the Passengers' Welfare Association. In 2013 alone, although over 2,000 cases were filed for road accidents accusing 2,057 persons, only 352 were arrested, highlighting the extent of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of road accidents.
In an overwhelming number of cases, the culprits get away by conducting underhand dealings, especially when they have the backing of influential people. As Information Minister himself noted, during a seminar, the culture of impunity and networking are a significant contributor to the recurrence of road accidents in the country, and pointed the finger at corrupt government officials and powerful politicians for sustaining this practice.
Additionally, the high extent of corruption involved in obtaining vehicles' fitness certificates and drivers' licenses mean that unfit vehicles and incompetent drivers are allowed to ply the streets with latitude, while those found with improper documentation during drives are let go with a small bribe.
Given that road accidents take the lives of 12,000 to 18,000 per year according to unofficial figures published by the World Bank and the World Health Organisation, there is a serious need to stop the culture of impunity enjoyed by reckless drivers in the country. While we agree with the Information Minister that the media can play a big role in highlighting the negligence and corruption of government officials and institutions, we think that strong measures should be taken by the government to penalise those found guilty of such misdemeanours.
Comments