Knock on wood

 

 
IT is with a degree of trepidation that this writer approaches this week’s topic, primarily because of the sensitivity of the subject and taking note that it deals with lives lost.
Over the weekend, the Barbados Road Safety Association hosted a service which sought to memorialise the lives of those persons who were killed in vehicular accidents and for their family members, many of whom are left picking up the pieces after the death of loved one.
 
I listened attentively as president of that association called for justice for these victims and their families. After the service a small group went over to the Warrens roundabout where they unveiled a sign showing eight white figures against a black background. The President, Charmaine Roland-Bowen, told those gathered that these were more than just statistics, they were lives. She also noted that Barbados’ road fatalities for the year significantly decreased over previous years and she expressed hope that this figure could remain in single digits.
 
One could only imagine, therefore, her surprise like the rest of us that there would be a road fatality not 12 hours after her words were uttered. With ten persons reportedly sustaining injuries in that vehicular accident, one could see how our single digit cases could have gone back to the annual average overnight.
 
The president made a number of compelling points particularly as it relates to collisions, refusing to refer to them as accidents. She contends that with due care and attention, Barbados could be celebrating zero accidents. While some may disagree, we can concede that almost every day we are filled with a degree of road rage because another motorist or pedestrian has broken the law or has been careless on the road. We may all agree that some of our roads may be confusing or may have some inconsistencies, but with that in mind due care and consideration should be everyone’s priority.
 
Certainly as a driver you have to be mindful of other motorists and at times foresee a potential problem metres ahead. Additionally, speeding and drinking while under the influence is a sure way to become involved in an accident. While persons may think they have it under control, it only takes one moment in time that could change your life and the life of others forever. The same goes for driving while distracted. It only takes a split second for something unexpected to happen as we’re driving. Our response time must not be impeded.
 
We must truly take command and listen to advocates such as the BRSA. They are not doing this work because they have nothing better to do. They see an area that needs to be improved and they are working feverishly to educate the population about the dangers which many of us sweep under the carpet. 
 
The reality is for us, it only becomes important when it hits home, but we must encourage these and other advocates to continue their work, it may change and save lives.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
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