Dear Editor,
Headlight flashing, also known as optical horn, is commonly used as a warning to other drivers of speed traps in many countries. In some countries, it is illegal. In Jamaica, it is routine as motorists warn other drivers of police speed checks; intended to help other motorists from getting a ticket.
Jamaica has a very high crime rate. The police cannot fight against crime unless we all support them. When we flash headlights we have no way of knowing that the person we are flashing is not on his way to escape from crime.
Jamaica has very mobile criminals. Once the police manage to prevent them from operating in one community, they move to other communities.
What’s more, headlight flashing puts the lives of police personnel at tremendous risk when hard core criminals are alerted.
The intent to warn others of speed traps seems innocent but it can have serious consequences. By engaging in the practice, motorists run the risk of “unintentionally facilitating criminal activity”.
If we want to reduce crime in Jamaica, law-abiding citizens need to assist the security forces in every possible way. Therefore, I propose that it should be a crime for motorists to flash their lights as a warning. Some of us might not agree, but it can be a useful step towards making us safer. I wish for a crime-free 2016 to Jamaica, land we love!
Tashfeen Ahmad
mrtashfeen@hotmail.com
Headlight flashing, also known as optical horn, is commonly used as a warning to other drivers of speed traps in many countries. In some countries, it is illegal. In Jamaica, it is routine as motorists warn other drivers of police speed checks; intended to help other motorists from getting a ticket.
Jamaica has a very high crime rate. The police cannot fight against crime unless we all support them. When we flash headlights we have no way of knowing that the person we are flashing is not on his way to escape from crime.
Jamaica has very mobile criminals. Once the police manage to prevent them from operating in one community, they move to other communities.
What’s more, headlight flashing puts the lives of police personnel at tremendous risk when hard core criminals are alerted.
The intent to warn others of speed traps seems innocent but it can have serious consequences. By engaging in the practice, motorists run the risk of “unintentionally facilitating criminal activity”.
If we want to reduce crime in Jamaica, law-abiding citizens need to assist the security forces in every possible way. Therefore, I propose that it should be a crime for motorists to flash their lights as a warning. Some of us might not agree, but it can be a useful step towards making us safer. I wish for a crime-free 2016 to Jamaica, land we love!
Tashfeen Ahmad
mrtashfeen@hotmail.com