Ammar Al Asmi: You can never be too safe when driving

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In today’s fast-paced world, some cities experience rapid growth at an astonishing rate. This phenomenon often occurs due to a combination of factors such as urbanization, economic opportunities, and migration trends. As populations gravitate toward urban centers in search of employment, education, and better living standards, cities can expand exponentially in a relatively short period.

I remember when I first arrived in Moncton eight years ago. It was a very quiet city. It still is compared to other big cities in Canada, but the difference is drastic in comparison to itself a few years ago. After all, the City of Moncton announced in 2022 that Moncton had the fastest-growing population of all Canada’s metropolitan areas. It is, of course, pleasant to see this development as it will help spark more job opportunities and more lively facilities in general for the city, but we cannot ignore some of the negative sides of such sudden growth.

The reason I am bringing this topic today is because I see, in my opinion, a possible link between it and the increment in vehicle accidents lately. I am sure many of us heard about the tragic accident at a Moncton’s traffic circle at the end of March. It is not the only one as many headlines were made this year about vehicle accidents that I am not used to hearing about as someone living in Moncton. Moreover, as per the nature of my work as a taxi driver, I’ve seen way more accidents lately on the roads during work. After some reflection I felt a duty to write as a reminder for mindful driving, which is more important than ever right now. The fewer number of cars circulating in the city in the past made it somewhat forgivable to not be very careful when driving, but this is now a thing of the past and we have to adapt.

In some of these headlines the topic of the lack of using a seatbelt was brought up, and for an important reason. It makes a huge difference in events like these. Back in Syria, not using a seatbelt was just the norm in many regions. It wasn’t something we thought much about; everyone did it. Whether it was a short trip to the market or a longer journey across town, buckling up just didn’t cross our minds. It’s strange to think about it now, especially since moving to Canada.

Here, the importance of wearing a seatbelt is constantly emphasized, and it’s become second nature to always click it before hitting the road. Reflecting on my old habits, I realize how much safer it is to follow this simple rule, and it’s a small adjustment that could make a big difference in preventing accidents. This problem, unfortunately, isn’t unique to Syria. In numerous countries around the world, the practice of not using seatbelts remains disturbingly common despite extensive safety campaigns and legislation. This lax attitude toward seatbelt usage often stems from a variety of factors, including cultural norms, lack of enforcement, and misconceptions about safety. In some regions, seatbelt laws may exist, but enforcement may be random, if present at all, leading to a disregard for their importance. Additionally, there persists a misguided belief among some individuals that they are not at risk or that seatbelts are uncomfortable. However, the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt can be dire, as they significantly increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. Efforts to promote seatbelt usage, including public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws, are crucial in combating this pervasive issue and ensuring road safety for all.

Furthermore, there’s another dangerous habit on the rise: texting while driving. As our phones become more important to us, it’s tempting to use them while we’re behind the wheel. But doing this can be really dangerous. It makes it harder to react quickly if something unexpected happens, and it makes accidents more likely. Just like not wearing seatbelts, texting while driving is a big problem that we need to deal with. People might think they can handle it, but it is very risky. We need to do more to let everyone know how dangerous it is and make sure there are stricter rules about it. Only then can we make sure our roads are safer for everyone.

These are my remarks as someone feeling afraid for his community. Remember to be prudent and that you can never be too safe. Buckle up, put your phones away and be a positive influence on your friends.

Ammar Al Asmi lives in Moncton and is the former director of a weekly newspaper in Daraa, Syria. He can be contacted via email at ammar.1966@hotmail.com