Keeping our roads safe

THERE is no centralised system in the country to know exactly how many people have been issued a driver’s licence in Papua New Guinea.
And apart from the genuine licences issued by sanctioned authorities, it seems there are also fake licences currently in use and there is no way to differentiate which one is genuine.
The newspaper has been advocating for all drivers to sit a refresher test prior to one’s licence being renewed, assuming there was only one authority in charge of issuing drivers licences.
The no-care attitude of some drivers which we have been highlighting could be because most of the drivers are using fake licences, with no proper testing and checks.
Common practice worldwide is if a candidate fails the theory, then they are told to return in three months’ time.
From theory, then the contender goes to the practical test of using a roundabout, speed limits, which lines to stop at traffic lights, when approaching crossing and traffic lights, using indicators and many more.
Only if they pass, both the theory and practical tests, then they are issued a probationary licence and follow the process to obtaining class 1, 3, etc.
Those who follow the process understand the importance of adhering to traffic rules.
To say that traffic and police officers should be educating them on traffic rules as many are not aware of what they are, is an understatement.
A transport consultant with ADB sometime back said many people are not aware of the traffic rules and they should not be charged with money and end up being harassed because they are caught breaking the rule.
We will say, before one is issued a driver’s licence, a pre-requisite is for them to know all traffic rules.
Almost every day you will come across some sort of accident involving vehicles and human beings.
When behind the wheel, the driver’s job is driving. It is their job to protect themselves, their passengers, the vehicle, which is either a company asset or for which the driver may be receiving a stipend of some type, and people and property around them.
And that the portion of defensive driving looks to be missing among drivers in Papua New Guinea.
Again, a result of some drivers using fake licences.
A good defensive driver practises correct legal driving techniques at all times.
Defensive driving is essentially driving in a manner that
utilises safe-driving strategies to enable motorists to address identified hazards in a predictable manner.
Defensive-driving training must be compulsory and must be mandatory for all drivers to undertake this training before they are allowed to renew their licence.
There would be fewer road accidents involving vehicles as everyone would know what to do and what not to do.
Not all drivers today have the savvy of simple traffic rules which makes one wonder how on earth they were given a a licence?
Observing road safety rules like using indicators, speed limits, use of left lanes, when to overtake, where to stop on road sides and respecting traffic lights can minimise traffic accidents.
We assume, it’s either the driver is ignorant of what they know already or the licence was obtained illegally, hence they totally have no idea of what is road safety.
These drivers are dangerous and are bound to cause accidents.