Police Blame Human Error for 70% of Recent Road Crashes

Two men in their thirties were killed and two others hospitalised following a fatal road accident in Bel-Air/Rivière-Sèche on Monday, September 14, morning, adding to a recent surge of crashes across the nation. The incident has reignited public debate and police concern about what appears to be an increasing number of vehicles, including cars, buses, and lorries, leaving the road.

Reckless Driving and Human Error Blamed

While the precise cause of each accident varies, officials point to reckless driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviours as the primary culprits.

Police Chief Inspector Shiva Coothen, speaking before his reassignment from the press service, highlighted the complex interplay of factors, arguing that it’s “illusory to look for a single cause.”

Human factor: This is the most significant concern. Police note that some drivers, both young and old, exhibit risky behaviour.

This includes elderly drivers with reduced reflexes, individuals with health problems, and those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Coothen stressed that speeding remains one of the biggest contributing factors.

• Road conditions: Slippery roads during rain and the presence of potholes are major hazards. Drivers often swerve to avoid potholes, which can lead to a loss of control, and a sharp turn can cause a vehicle to skid, especially in wet conditions.
• Vehicle mechanics: Vehicle type also plays a role. Coothen noted that the braking system on automatic cars, such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), can be a factor, as it may surprise some drivers by causing the vehicle to continue forward for a short distance before coming to a full stop.
• Improper lighting: The use of full-beam headlights that blind oncoming traffic on poorly lit roads is another issue highlighted by police.

Calls for Action and New Measures

In response to the growing number of accidents, the police have been conducting regular awareness campaigns.

The Road Safety Unit works with companies to brief drivers, and police have also collaborated with driving instructors like Barlen Munusami, who provides specialised training.

However, Chief Inspector Coothen believes that much of the problem lies in the behaviour of drivers once they have passed their test.

He stated, “During driving tests, aspiring drivers respect all the rules. But once they get their license, many of them forget everything they have learned.”

Coothen also advocated for faster judicial processes, suggesting that for serious cases, courts should rule the day after the accident, and that administrative hurdles for drug-driving cases should be reduced.

“The laws already exist,” he noted, “with fines of Rs 10,000 or more in the case of a repeat offence.”

The Point System is on the Horizon

A new point-based driving licence system is set to be debated in Parliament before the end of the year and is expected to come into force in January 2026.

According to the Ministry of Transport, a driver who accumulates 15 demerit points will have their licence suspended or even cancelled.

This measure is intended to make drivers think twice before committing infractions.

The police and transport authorities hope that this new system will curb reckless behaviour and help prevent further tragedies on the nation’s roads.

Source: l’Express