The proposals propose, for example, that no one under the age of 12 can travel sitting in the front of vehicles.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including the Tandem Foundation, the Association of Users and Consumers of Ecuador, and the Pedestrian Association of Quito, propose to the Executive several recommendations that can be incorporated into regulation of the traffic law which is in effect from August 10, 2021.
On February 10, the 180-day period for the National Transit Agency (ANT) to draft the document that will allow, after socialization, the formal application of the Law.
“We don’t know when the draft will be ready, but we know that the ANT is already working on a text and we hope it will be as soon as possible,” says Daniela Chacón, representative of the Tandem Foundation; research center that promotes the development of cities and their inhabitants to achieve safety, inclusion and sustainability.
It is suggested, for example, that the term “road accidents” instead of “accidents” since, it is understood that an accident is fortuitous while a Sinister it is preventable.
In addition, they request that the regulation say that every passenger under 12 years old or when your height is less than 1.50 meters, always sit on the rear seats of cars using approved child restraint systems. These must be correctly fastened and fastened to the vehicle and adapted to the weight, size and age of the minor.
About the use of helmetsit is requested that the drivers and passengers of motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, tricars and ATVs are required to carry the helmet properly attached to the head and fastened to the chin with the strap and buckle provided in the helmet.
For speed limits, it is recommended to review the speed ranges, recognizing the reality of our country and incorporating the best international practices.
Regarding driving under the influence of alcoholrecommend that, in the event of driving the vehicle in a state of drunkennessthe traffic agent must carry out mandatory and random breath and blood tests.
Require all drivers, including motorcycle drivers, to take a mandatory breath and blood test for fatal accidents to identify the trauma scale related to the level of alcohol.
Traffic accident figures
Daniela Chacón details that the latest figures for traffic accidents reveal the existence of more than 50,000 events of this type per year on a national scale.
In 2021, more than 2,100 people died on the roads due to traffic accidents, and about six people a day died from this cause. “This is the main cause of death, therefore, the regulation it is urgent to the extent that it allows having all the rules to apply the law and to be able to save lives”, says the activist. (SC)
