Safe driving this Christmas

 

We are into the festive Christmas season. Tis’ the season to be jolly they say. However, one area where much cheer and mirth is missing, is on our roads.

 

Nine days into December and the roads are busy as ever. It is almost taking drivers double the time they normally would, to get to and fro, at certain times of the day. Given that Christmas shopping, late night runs and Christmas parties are now getting in full swing, we can anticipate busier streets, leading up to Christmas Day.

 

What is the real matter for concern however, is not so much the busy traffic, but the silly, risky chances some people are taking to beat traffic. Drivers are overtaking two and sometimes three cars at once, just to get a few paces ahead. Motorists are getting pretty daring at roundabouts, when they can see no ease in traffic, in sight. Pedestrians are also doing their share of risky moves to get between traffic and across streets and highways.

 

Of late, I am convinced that commonsense is not a flower that grows in everybody’s garden. Sometimes, I just watch all wide-eyed as motorists pull some daring stunts on the road and manage to avoid injury to themselves and others or something worse. And all I keep thinking is, “Can waiting a few minutes really hurt?” I therefore want to use this space allotted to me, to encourage all persons using our roads, to exercise extra care and caution, during this hectic Holiday season.

 

During this time, we in Barbados tend to become road hogs as the roads back up and we seemingly throw any defensive driving skills we have acquired, out the window, as we dash here and there. However, this is not the time to be absent-minded. We all know the damage distracted driving can cause. While great focus has been placed on the use of mobile phones whilst driving, as well as the use and abuse of alcohol, I am sure that a fair share of accidents may have been caused due to the driver having a distracted mind. Your thoughts may be elsewhere and before you know it, that car bumper inches closer and closer and bam, you kiss the automobile in front of you. You do not want to kiss strangers, do you? That same rule should apply to your car.

 

Those of you who love your Christmas alcoholic beverages, please designate a driver to get you to and fro your events. For those who have to work late or work long hours, also do the same or get some rest before you get behind the wheel. For those pedestrians engaged in the Christmas hustle and bustle, please be careful and adhere to the traffic signs and signals and use sidewalks and crossings where possible. For motorcyclists and bicyclists, please do not weave in and out of traffic wildly and please, no silly stunts. Also, for all motorists in general, please remember to drive at a decent speed, use signals to indicate your actions and do not take chances speeding or overtaking when it is unsafe. Drive safely this Christmas! Happy Holidays!