Lax Security, Road Rage, and Street Fighting Plague Our Cities

Over a decade ago, highways were a different landscape, marked by a notable presence of law enforcement. The sight of police patrolling the roads was a reassuring reminder of order and safety. I vividly recall an incident when I inadvertently entered the HOV lane, not from its designated merging point; the police promptly intervened, stopping me a kilometer ahead to issue a firm warning. In those days, even minor infractions were swiftly addressed. But today, our cities face an alarming decline in security and law enforcement, and the consequences are horrifying.

The issue of single drivers deliberately abusing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane is just the tip of the iceberg. It reflects a much larger problem— the absence of robust law enforcement in major cities. The lax security environment has encouraged some individuals to obstruct and challenge the law without fear of consequences.

What was once a strict adherence to traffic rules has now transformed into a free-for-all on our roadways, even inside the city roads. HOV lanes, intended to promote carpooling and reduce traffic congestion, have become a haven for solo drivers. Day or night, the HOV lane is filled with vehicles defying the rules, causing frustration among law-abiding citizens.

A recent viral video serves as a stark reminder of the escalating road rage problem. On the bustling 401, one of North America's busiest highways, a minor altercation escalated into a violent fistfight, bringing traffic to a standstill. Such incidents not only endanger lives but also paralyze the daily commute of countless individuals.

Equally concerning is the situation unfolding in a giant strip Plaza in, a once-quiet residential area west of Mississauga, now infamous for frequent street fights. Young men, primarily international students, often clash with peers from different backgrounds, turning these disputes into racial street battles. The consequences spill over into the surrounding roads, which have become nightmarish battlegrounds as new drivers and newcomers to Canada strive for dominance.

This chaotic and jungle-like atmosphere harshly contrasts the safe and orderly society we aspire to maintain.

While Canada welcomes students from across the globe, as well as all newcomers, there is a pressing need to ensure they are all prepared and educated about becoming law-abiding residents and about the core of Canadian principles and values before they integrate into our society and before starting any academic or career paths. Many international students aim to secure permanent residency status in Canada, but the future looks depressing without proper guidance on adapting to our social norms and expectations.

Our cities must provide these newcomers with resources and ethical and moral behavior information. It is the role of politicians on the three levels of government to ensure a safe and stable future. Before they run after votes only from particular groups, they must first believe in their country’s future and focus on preventing the descent into chaos and lawlessness, then, all other economic and social struggles will be resolved much faster.

Our cities struggle with a multi-faceted challenge encompassing lax security, road rage, and street fighting. It is high time, as well, for authorities, educational institutions, and communities to come together to address this pressing issue and restore order to our streets, ensuring that our cities remain safe and welcoming for all.

Without such intervention, we risk becoming a society resembling the Wild West, where order is lost and safety becomes a distant memory.