Recent road fatalities and other frequent vehicular accidents here on the island, highlights the urgency for better usage of our roads and a different outlook of how we conduct ourselves, both as drivers and pedestrians. It is quite evident that Nevis has changed tremendously over the past decade. It would be surprising if the number of vehicles on island have more that doubled over the past twelve years, the roads are very much better, and exceeding speed limits is seemingly taken for granted.
While one might call for more police surveillance, it is virtually impossible for the lawmen to do much more than they are presently doing. The onus is therefore placed on us to be our own protectors and wisely use the most safe and secure methods of travel.
There is always the urgency of bus drivers to make haste and get on their next trip. One understands the dollar factor which probably drives them to hurry-up and catch the next passenger. Speed limits at that time is not usually on his agenda and there we go. He is also often under pressure to get his passenger to work on time. That passenger probably left home too late in the first place and should not encourage the driver to exceed the speed limits at the risk they often do.
In addition to that, there are probably a dozen or more passengers in that bus who will be most likely will be affected if by chance an accident happens. These are very serious possibilities and concerns that need to be addressed before it is too late.
We also have some vehicles on the road that resemble in one way or another, racing cars. The drivers of these cars are usually under the age of 25, and considered a high driving risk. Some insurance companies simply do not insure vehicles owned by these drivers while other companies charge a hefty premium for doing so. It is amazing at times to see the speed at which these drivers travel in areas where pedestrians, school children and others are quite visible and in some danger. It is also frightening to see some places where these drivers over-take other vehicles, it’s very dangerous.
Some pedestrians as well need to take control of their own safety. While driving, I witnessed a CSS student about to cross the road. I automatically slowed down allowing time for her to pass and get on the other side of the road. To my surprise, I actually had to stop and allow her to cross safely. Now, what is the problem with that one might ask? She was crossing on the while crossing lines and it’s my duty to stop. However, the young lady maliciously and deliberately slowed down her walk to a minimum, something that I know was done on purpose. Stranger things do happen and it is not always wise to anticipate that a driver will be able to stop, especially if your life is in danger.
There is also the practice of individuals walking abreast of each other which is not a problem really. However, if there is no sidewalk and that practice takes place on the roads, these pedestrians need to be aware that the vehicle is not made of flesh and blood. Sometimes some of our off-roads are very narrow and do not allow much more space than for a vehicle to pass. Sometimes the main roads do not allow much space when vehicles are parked on one side and the traffic continues to run. In such cases, pedestrians walking abreast to one another should make the adjustment to prevent a collision. Stranger things have happened and these scenarios are daily being witnessed here on the island.
Prevention is better than cure.
I do think, however, that there should be more police surveillance and frequent traffic checks. I also believe the justice system should deal strongly with these moving traffic offences when brought before the court. Speeding on our public roads have gotten out of hand. People are dying because traffic rules and regulations are not being followed. Who will it be next?
Preventative measures need to be taken before it is too late. The police need to be assigned to more traffic duties in order to curb the excessive speeding that certainly endangers lives. The court system needs to function in such a manner that the police will feel it necessary to ticket the offending drivers.
The problem is a serious one and we need to do something about it. It is fast approaching the time as well when hand-held cell phone should be outlawed while driving. Let us do something now before it is too late.
