The recent rains in Guayaquil and other cities in the country have forced us to look at the condition of the vehicles that are circulating and that undergo an annual technical inspection. In addition to the weather, this is not enough, there is something else that corresponds to the responsibility of the driver and the control of the authorities and traffic wardens.

There are contraventions that are observed on the roads without effective supervision: cars with slick tires that endanger the passengers of the vehicle transporting them and those who could possibly be nearby if they cause an accident; cars with burnt-out lights, with feathers in bad condition or without them.

Atypical July: The rain that fell in Guayaquil exceeded the average levels of the month in the last 30 years

At the other extreme, however, is the obvious use of lights that dazzle other drivers. A set of LED lights can be found on the market for $160, more or less, depending on the car and the place of purchase. Could it cost lives? And there are other even stronger, halogen lights that are not suitable for use in the city and that are placed in a row of up to eight headlights.

Flows from the Daule-Peripa reservoir will increase due to increased flows

The Comprehensive Penal Code (COIP) makes it a class seven traffic offense to install “lights, headlights or fog lights in places prohibited for automobiles, without proper approval.” The penalty is 5% of the single basic wage, SBU, ($22.5). “A driver who operates a motor vehicle that does not meet the appropriate mechanical technical standards and conditions” is fined 30% of the SBU, or $135.

This would be the effect of the El Ñino phenomenon in Quito and in eight parishes

The purpose is not to place an economic burden on violations, the intention is to make drivers and marshals feel obligated to avoid accidents. It is ideal to act sensibly and not regret losses.

Prevention is not important, death and prison are important. In order not to add to the problems brought by excessive rain, their owners and traffic control agencies undertake to inspect the condition of cars so that the laws are enforced transparently. (OR)