Forensic statistics released this week show a sharp rise in traffic accidents, with a 50 percent increase in vehicle collisions during the first week of January. The figures have raised serious concerns among traffic safety professionals.
In an interview with Matutino DIARIO, Thomas Ruiz of the Vereniging Rijscholen Aruba (VRA) expressed his concern about the alarming trend and stated that he supports the use of traffic cameras as part of a broader effort to improve road safety.
According to Ruiz, cameras can help authorities detect irregular situations or accidents in real time and allow emergency teams to respond more quickly. However, he stressed that cameras alone are not enough.
“As I’ve said before, we need speed cameras. Excessive speeding is a serious problem in Aruba, and everyone can see it,” Ruiz said.
He pointed to the Netherlands as an example, where speed cameras are widely used to monitor speed limits, seatbelt use, and other traffic violations. “Technology has advanced, but we are falling behind,” he added.
Ruiz referred directly to the newly published forensic data, emphasizing that the numbers should be a wake-up call.
“These figures show a 50 percent increase in accidents in just the first week of January. We cannot keep standing by with our arms crossed,” he warned.
The VRA expects to sit down soon with the Minister and other stakeholders to discuss policy changes and their implementation. Ruiz expressed hope that these discussions will lead to meaningful improvements in traffic safety.
He also stressed that education must play a major role in addressing the issue. Ruiz called for better regulation of driving schools, the independence of the driver’s license department, and a review of the driving exam curriculum.
“To this day, the VRA has no data showing that the current curriculum is effective,” he stated.
Ruiz concluded by saying that traffic safety is a shared responsibility. It should not be addressed by the Minister alone, but also by Parliament, the Department of Public Transportation, and local communities.
“Neighborhood centers need to be more active. They should organize information sessions and invite organizations like the VRA, along with the police and fire department, to help educate the public about the chaotic and worrying traffic situation,” Ruiz said.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/cifranan-forensico-ta-mustra-cu-dalmento-di-auto-a-aumenta-50-e-prome-siman-di-januari
