[Fatal Accidents] Stricter Penalties Demanded Against Impaired Drivers

On Saturday, November 22nd, the Movement for Road Safety and Justice invited Mauritians to a peaceful and apolitical march in Rose-Hill, commemorating victims of road accidents and advocating for stricter laws. Many people attended, with families calling for harsher penalties for impaired drivers, urging the law to classify these actions as true "manslaughter" rather than mere involuntary manslaughter.

The organizers emphasized the urgency of action: delays in emergency response, failures in investigations, and the persistent impunity of reckless drivers pose a constant risk to the Mauritian public.

Several political figures also joined the march, including Minister of Sports and Youth Deven Nagalingum, Junior Minister Sydney Pierre, and MPs Eshan Juman, Dr. Farhad Aumeer, and Annabelle Savabaddy.

MP Dr. Farhad Aumeer stated: "We must have no pity for these individuals. They have taken lives, and the scars they leave in families where a child has died are indelible. The pain of a mother or father cannot be erased. Today, they ask for forgiveness? Didn’t they realize the crime they could commit while driving? I support an aggressive tightening of the law. A driver caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not be let out. They should remain behind bars until their case is judged. There should be no bail for such cases. When we see all these people marching today, they are not marching with joy, but with suffering. We must support them, and I am here to lend my support."

Minister Deven Nagalingum responded: "This concerns me, not only as a politician or minister but as a citizen. People are losing their lives due to the disrespect shown by some drivers. A person under the influence of alcohol, who doesn’t even have a license, can take someone’s life. It is sad, not only for the family but for the entire country. We must clearly establish responsibilities and bring order. I am determined, and that’s why I am here today: to push for the necessary changes."

One protester pleaded: "The law must be reviewed. It is not normal for me to fear simply walking on the road with my children."

Another protester, who came to honor a victim, shared: "I am here to pay tribute to Muzammil. I also lost my son in 2016, and the driver was never arrested. We demand justice, for him and for all victims."

This march, filled with emotion and determination, reflects the growing frustration over fatal accidents involving impaired drivers. Grieving families, supported by several elected officials, now hope that these demands will resonate at the legislative level and that firm measures will finally be implemented to better protect road users.