The YASA Association has released the following statement: "With every sunrise, Lebanese citizens are met with reports detailing road casualties from the previous 24 hours—a somber reminder of the increasing number of fatalities and injuries on our roads. These tragic numbers continue to rise due to a variety of well-known reasons, including corruption, neglect, financial difficulties, lack of road maintenance, the cessation of mechanical inspection, and avoidance of responsibility. These issues persist alongside the partial accountability of citizens, which sometimes stems from recklessness, negligence, and lack of caution."
In alignment with YASA's mission to provide guidance and raise awareness, the organization is sounding the alarm to protect the lives of our youth, children, and citizens at large. It calls for urgent action to address the rampant violations on the roads through enhanced roles of security and oversight bodies, akin to a large-scale emergency response. This involves activating security checkpoints, mobile patrols, increasing the number of motorcyclist units, and rigorously enforcing traffic violations. The alarming rise in deadly road accidents now resembles roaming massacres that claim the lives of violators and innocent bystanders alike. Strict law enforcement is the only way to deter offenders and curb the recklessness of others, effectively reducing the incidents.
Is the state waiting for daily fatalities numbering in the dozens before taking decisive action?
Therefore, YASA issues an urgent call for those causing harm to awaken their conscience and for those with the authority to act and punish to do so before more disasters occur.
Remaining silent is no longer acceptable. Our youth, children, women, and elderly are in grave danger due to ongoing events.
May the world bear witness to our declaration."