Traffic is boiling, police are lacking - is it time to monitor roads with technology?
The article discusses the ongoing traffic issues in Latvia due to uncleaned roads, urging for the adoption of technology to enhance traffic monitoring and safety.
The article highlights the severe traffic problems in Latvia, particularly on Ulmaņa gatve, where accumulations of snow and ice have not been cleared despite the absence of snowfall for over a month. This has resulted in narrower roads, becoming hazardous for drivers, especially given the common issue of potholes left unaddressed as snow cover diminishes. Agris Daukste, head of the IT department at the Latvian Bureau of Motor Insurers, emphasizes the perilous conditions exacerbated by driver behavior and inadequate road maintenance.
As traffic slows, drivers are able to acclimate to the conditions; however, this changes dramatically on the Salu Bridge, where impatient drivers often exceed the speed limit and weave between lanes, neglecting the winter conditions. During this time, poor visibility and slick surfaces can quickly lead to accidents, contributing to further congestion and highlighting the critical need for improved traffic management.
The article questions whether accidents should always be attributed to driver error, suggesting that road conditions and infrastructure are significant factors in such incidents. It advocates for the use of technology in monitoring roads, implying that better data could enhance safety and efficiency, reducing the burden on both drivers and law enforcement in the face of increasing traffic complications in Latvia.