by Jeremiah Howard

The automotive industry has grown in shape and form in the last generation, driven largely by our more demanding lifestyles, among other reasons.

While this is a natural course of our development, I am not convinced that we have paused, discerned and shaped our personal behaviours and policies to appropriately adjust effectively to this new era.

I will begin my first article by addressing issues and behaviours as experienced by daily auto users.

I urge road users to exhibit higher levels of personal responsibility:

1. Apart from being illegal, it is also inconsiderate to be driving with cell phones with no concern for the other road users; it is also a potential safety hazard.

2. When parking, be mindful about not occupying two parking spaces or blocking vehicle or pedestrian access.

3. Don’t stand at the pedestrian crossing if you do not intend to cross when a driver stops.

4. Throwing garbage out of a vehicle window is not only a nasty habit, it can also be dangerous to vehicles behind.

To the authorities I ask:

1. If we are importing on average 80 vehicles per month, where is the analysis of new and alternate roads and routes in and out of Kingstown?

2. Isn’t it time to start thinking about multiple level parking lots and parking meters in and around Kingstown?

Insurance companies:

1. Why do claims take so long, while drivers are inconvenienced for no fault of their own?

2. If a driver is at no fault for an accident, why should his/her premium increase? Bad luck or someone else’s carelessness should not result in a cost to him/her.

Garages and service centres:

1. If you cannot deliver on time, may I have a timely call so that I can make alternate arrangements?

2. On returning my vehicle, can you ensure that the vehicle does not have your footprints on the floor and greasy hand prints on the steering wheel?

Parts suppliers

1. When someone calls for parts, they are not only in need of the parts, they are also in need of your courtesy and tolerance. If you can’t help, then can you refer them to an alternative supplier or offer some form of advice? Customer service is king.