Dear Editor,

I commute the routes of Dominica on a daily basis and there is a need for traffic enforcement laws. Many of our drivers drive recklessly, are disrespectful to pedestrians and passengers and above it all, they don’t consider the safety of people. I think they are not aware that they have the lives of many people in their hands on a daily basis. 99.9% of the bus drivers on island drive recklessly, racing with others and overtaking in corners and overhanging cliffs. I have seen and heard visitor/returning Dominicans and foreigners shrill and complain in my presence on buses. I have heard persons shout on the drivers to take it easy many times but to no avail.

Most of the times in my presence passengers call onto the drivers to take precaution but instead they give rude responses-“ get off my bus if you don’t feel comfortable ” or “I know what I am doing” tell me, “ what is the job of the Transportation Board and Traffic Department?” Something drastic needs to be done because for the past five years there has been an increase in vehicular accidents. I believe most of these accidents can be avoided but with the negative attitude and reckless driving of the drivers, they still occur. I am calling on the relevant authorities to please step in and enforce traffic laws, engage bus drivers in Education sessions and promote good driving tips. This is needed immediately because of the high volume of buses on our roads. Let’s begin with public transportation.

A concerned citizen and bus rider.