EDITORIAL

Since the start of the year, 2019 has been marked with a number of publicised deaths, leading to calls for a stop to gun violence and increased surveillance at our ports of entry to halt the flow of guns and ammunition.

However, a number of these deaths were not the result of weapons, but came after fatal injuries from road accidents. And whereas ensuring the public’s safety against guns may be considered more of a law enforcement concern, preventing deaths on our roadways is certainly within the control of every citizen in this
country. Therefore, every road user – both motorist and pedestrian – must commit now to a change of attitude and behaviour that would bring about greater vigilance and care as they travel.

November, which has been named Road Safety Month, is usually a time when road safety alerts are ramped up and a national effort highlighted. Yet, safe usage of Barbados’ roads is not a seasonal concern. It must remain a talking point all year round and it must become second nature for all individuals, regardless of age.
Over the years, many issues have been addressed that aimed to improve the safety of all road users. For instance, the Road Traffic Act was amended to introduce breathalyser testing; mandatory wearing of helmets by cyclists; mandatory inspection of vehicles over five years and inspection of public service vehicles every six months; outlawing the use of hand held cell phones while driving; prohibition of use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from public roads without special permission; and prosecution of individuals involved in car racing stunts and illegal raving on the highways. There was also focus on dangerous junctions and a continued
effort to widen roads and construct roundabouts at problematic intersections.

These, along with the efforts of the Barbados Road Safety Association, have gone a long way in bringing the issue to the fore. However, there is only so much that Government and organisations can do. Every single person is still responsible for him/herself and their own actions.

Pedestrians should therefore pay more attention to drivers, ensuring for instance that they look at them and are seen before crossing in front of a vehicle. Too often people make false assumptions about what a driver will do, based on their own perspective. Drivers are only human and, though they should be observant, may not see everything they should.

Likewise, drivers must also anticipate the unexpected from pedestrians, as well as other drivers. In the final analysis, everyone using the roads should act in the defensive to ensure their safety.

As we move into what is only the third month of this new year, we hope that this advice does not fall on deaf ears. There is no comfort to families that lose a loved one unexpectedly in a vehicular accident, a death which is more devastating for the very fact that it could have been avoided with more care.

Motorists, and pedestrians are therefore urged to be vigilant, alert and exercise care on the roads.