Barlen Munusami About Fatal Accidents: "The Trend is Very Alarming"

11 years, 11 months ago - 14 May 2012, The Défi Media Group
Barlen Munusami About Fatal Accidents: "The Trend is Very Alarming"
Evidence concerning fatal accidents is alarming. The carelessness and indifference of some drivers do not help to remedy the situation. This is the view expressed by Barlen Munusami, road safety expert and author of 'The Complete Guide to the Driver. " He is also concerned that fatal accidents are too quickly forgotten and does not serve as a lesson.

> A high number of fatal accidents was recorded on our roads since the beginning of this year. What view do you take on this?

The trend is very alarming. The figures do show an increase in the number of fatal accidents. The worst part is that there is only one difference between the least number of people killed since the beginning of this year and the number for the same period last year. However, in making this comparison, it must be remembered that last year there was an accident that had killed eleven. So that the number of fatalities on our roads since the beginning of 2012 is sobering. 

> Alcohol is a lot of damage on our roads, as the driver who killed cyclist Jerome Tennant Thursday. What do you recommend to address the problem? 

Alcohol is a lot of damage in our society and on our roads. What is unfortunate is that many people condone drinking and driving and do not care that their guests empty bottles before getting behind the wheel. Moreover, the mere fear of some people is to have it checked by the police and the security aspect of their matter. I also think that the fight against drinking and driving is not sufficiently extended. The penalty point system is also a solution. 

> What is wrong with drivers? 

Drivers are stressed and anxious. They do not make good planning their journey. They want to rally their destination in time they calculate themselves and without taking into account certain realities, including a breakdown on the road, traffic delays caused by accidents, bad weather or disadvantages at peak . A thirty-minute ride can sometimes take twice as long because of the increased number of vehicles. Some motorists are also very careless, indifferent and careless. Today, a fatal accident makes the headlines but this is quickly forgotten. And it's heartbreaking! 

> Does our infrastructure are appropriate for the number and types of vehicles we? 

We can not blame the infrastructure, although there are many improvements . In the Mauritian context, some highways through residential areas. This is not the case abroad. Thus, our drivers must put in mind that they must share the road with other users. This is why defensive driving is essential. 

> What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving means driving, taking into account the mistakes of other drivers might do and what not to do the same. There is also a good observation of the environment in which you ride, to identify potential hazards and immediate and exercise control of a vehicle so that the safety of all premiums. 

> Do not feel not sure there is a problem upstream, that is to say at the moment of learning? 

The big gap in learning is that when the aspirant approaches a monitor driver, his sole purpose is to take the test and not learning to drive. That's why the instructors, who are trained in defensive driving, however, fail to apply their program. Finally, the driving lessons are oriented exams that'' '. 

> Is it not the duty of instructors to impose their agenda? 

There is some competition in the lap of driving school instructors. If an instructor is trying to impose its program, students can often turn to another instructor who will meet his requirements. That is why I am in favor of the introduction of a learning log that will allow authorities to check the contents of the training program for aspiring drivers before allowing him to take the test. 

> Government provides for the creation of a specialized center for learning. Can we expect improvements?

It's a good idea, but the important thing is that the center operates. We must not forget that there are thousands of aspiring drivers spread across the country. Does this center could absorb all?