After a concerning surge in road accident victims in Lebanon, the Youth Association for Social Awareness (YASA) association has issued an urgent appeal to the authorities. According to its data, fatalities from traffic collisions have risen by more than 30 percent compared with last year.
August has been particularly deadly, with 56 people losing their lives on Lebanese roads so far.
Firm Measures Demanded
In the face of this tragedy, YASA is urging the state to take immediate action. The association calls for the strict enforcement of the Traffic Law, targeting the most dangerous behaviors, such as driving against traffic, running red lights, or transporting illegal loads.
It also advocates for an update of traffic fines, adjusted to the depreciation of the Lebanese pound and doubled in cases of repeat offenses.
Road Safety and Infrastructure
The association stresses the need to end public nuisances, such as improvised races and dangerous gatherings. It calls for a reorganization of the vehicle inspection system, making it more transparent and effective, particularly for heavy trucks.
According to YASA, road safety also requires greater involvement from the Ministry of Public Works, which should make regular road maintenance a top priority.
A Call for Stricter Controls
To improve prevention, YASA suggests equipping the Internal Security Forces with more speed radars and modern devices to measure drivers’ blood alcohol levels. It also calls for tougher penalties on motorcyclists who perform stunts without wearing helmets.
The association further stresses that the use of seatbelts and child safety seats must be enforced without exception.
Beyond sanctions, YASA highlights the importance of ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at instilling a genuine culture of road safety in Lebanon. Through these measures, it hopes to trigger a national awakening to stop the bloodshed on the country’s roads.
Comments