ORANJESTAD (AAN): The Unanimous Support for Law Increasing Penalties for Irresponsible Drivers in Aruba marks a significant step toward strengthening road safety legislation on the island. This week, Parliament unanimously approved a law increasing penalties for hit-and-run cases, a move that has been welcomed as long overdue.
Parliamentarian John Hart, representing AVP and serving as President of the Justice Commission, emphasized the importance of reinforcing Aruba’s legal framework, particularly in matters of traffic safety. While acknowledging the approval as a positive development, Hart also provided a critical yet constructive reflection on the legislative process.
“When we talk about traffic safety, it is not just about having laws on paper. A fundamental component is the behavior of drivers,” Hart stated. He highlighted concerns about the social culture surrounding alcohol consumption and driving. According to him, in Aruba there remains a mindset where consuming one, two, or even three beers is not seen as a barrier to getting behind the wheel.
The Unanimous Support for Law Increasing Penalties for Irresponsible Drivers in Aruba aims to address these behaviors by imposing stricter consequences in hit-and-run incidents. However, Hart questioned whether legislation alone is sufficient if enforcement capacity is not equally strengthened.
He referenced comments from the Raad van Advies, raising concerns about enforcement effectiveness. “If we increase penalties without strengthening control and enforcement capacity, we must ask ourselves what the real impact will be,” he said. Hart acknowledged the limitations of the police force but suggested that Parliament should explore additional mechanisms to improve compliance and oversight.
Another issue raised was the presence of right-hand drive vehicles in Aruba. Hart noted that local infrastructure was not designed for such vehicles, potentially creating blind spots and dangerous traffic situations. He suggested that this factor should be included in a broader evaluation of national road safety.
While celebrating the approval of the new law, Hart also pointed out that the legislative initiative dates back to 2019. He questioned why it took nearly eight years for the law to be finalized. “Hit-and-run cases are not new. The problem has been growing year after year. The legitimate question is why this law took so long,” he remarked.
The Unanimous Support for Law Increasing Penalties for Irresponsible Drivers in Aruba also demonstrated bipartisan cooperation. Hart stressed that community safety should never be politicized. He praised Parliament’s ability to work across party lines when the general interest of the population is at stake.
As President of the Justice Commission, Hart reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to acting more efficiently and responsively in the future. He emphasized that legislation must respond to societal realities in a timely manner.
“We are working toward a safer Aruba. That responsibility is shared — both by citizens and lawmakers,” Hart concluded.
