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Letter: Scapegoats won't help

Some tragic car accidents have occurred recently in Taiwan. It is undeniable that human error contributed to these accidents.

Poor driving skills and cutting corners on vehicle maintenance were certainly culprits.

There are clear legal regulations that aim to curb these problems.

Unfortunately, Taiwanese frequently ignore them. Instead of understanding the benefits of following these rules, some Taiwanese cut corners in mechanical maintenance, for example.

One change in traffic safety has recently gained attention: a requirement that everyone in a car, both in the front and back seats, use seat belts on the highway.

The bus accident on Dec. 3 that killed 21 and injured 24 immediately sparked a heated debate.

Some demanded that the minister of transportation and communications step down. But would that help solve any of the problems that led to the recent tragedy?

The only way to prevent further tragedies is to tighten traffic regulations.

Considering the emotions the accident has stirred up, tightened regulations will hopefully not be long in coming.

But some people will look for scapegoats and demand quick "solutions." A quick change isn't necessarily an improvement.

In reality, pointing out scapegoats and patching over complex problems is more likely to take the place of real improvements.

New and stricter regulations are no doubt not going to please everyone.

But a good minister of transportation and communications must stand firmly by new rules in the face of criticism and convince politicians and the public of what is in their best interest.

Politicians in Taiwan, however, don't want to face that kind of pressure.

They seem more willing to step down than to do what needs to be done.

The government needs to work steadily and concretely to give improve public safety.

A thoughtful, wise policy is the key. Rapid and thoughtless moves are not going to help.

Lai Shu-mei
Fengyuan
Taichung County

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