Do you think the deaf should be allowed to drive in Ja?

There's a hot debate now on at www.gleanerblogs.com about whether or not the deaf should be allowed to drive on Jamaica's roads. Today, we share excerpts. You can join the debate today!

This is a tricky situation; however, the fact is that deaf people have fewer accidents than those who are without a disability. My only concern is, how will they know when an emergency vehicle like a police car, ambulance or fire truck is behind?

- Shane

You must remember that they are not blind. I am sure that they will be trained to use their rear-and-side-view mirrors so they will see the emergency vehicles with their flashing lights. If their vehicles are identifiable, the drivers of emergency vehicles will have to be cautious when overtaking deaf drivers.

- Anthony

There are drivers who play their music so loud, when passing, they shake your car. At that time, those drivers cannot hear what is happening outside their cars. At least the hearing impaired will pay extra attention to what is happening around them, unlike the other drivers.

- Gem

Before we get worked up about a deaf person being allowed to drive, let's analyse this question: Should a deaf person be allowed to cross a busy street by him/herself? I rest my case.

- Tony

I see nothing wrong with it; that should have happened a long time ago. Here in Canada, they are now doing a pilot project, teaching blind people to drive. So, one day, you might have a blind tourist on Jamaica's roads too. But there are a lot of training that goes into these things. So, for now, deaf people can drive. I see nothing wrong with it.

- Bob

Shane, Anthony, Gem, Tony and Bob, I share your thoughts about the silent driver. I am a bit cautious about the subject because I do not want to discriminate against or stereotype anyone. Sometimes when I am driving on the road, an emergency vehicle approaches me and others at an intersection, throwing me off my driving, so I think the silent driver would be challenged.

- Boysie Hall

With the poor quality of driving in Jamaica and the disgraceful manners of the majority of drivers, a few deaf drivers of whatever standard are unlikely to have any effect.

- John

I believe it should be OK for deaf persons to obtain a driver's licence, once they have received the proper training. I have a deaf friend who has been driving for many years with an American licence. The fact is, a deaf person is no different from the hearing people who have their car windows up and radio at full blast. The deaf rely heavily on sight, as do the hearing people. Remember, they are deaf, not mentally challenged. How many road accidents involving deaf persons have we heard about? I'm still thinking about that one.

- Michelle