WITH the country recording two traffic fatalities on the first day of 2014, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna-Martin renewed the call for a national commitment to drastically reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries due to car accidents in the Bahamas.
The first incident occurred around 6.30am on Wednesday on Prince Charles Drive, where a male pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle, with the second incident occurring on Blake Road around 7pm where a two car collision resulted in the male driver of one of the cars being killed.
In the wake of the crashes, Mrs Hanna-Martin said it is imperative for all road users to exercise caution and care, “whether you are behind the wheel, a motorcyclist, a pedestrian or in whatever form or manner you are utilising the streets.”
She said: “Last year, 51 people died as a result of traffic accidents throughout the country: this kind of death toll can not be repeated this year.
“We have a number of new roads and corridors in New Providence which have created an unfamiliar and sometimes even disorientating environment for road users: this creates a heightened imperative that we diligently navigate our streets being cognisant of our own safety and the safety of every single other road user.
“The message is clear and unequivocal; drive with caution and care, paying attention to signage, road markings and signals. Do not drive at high speed; do not drive whilst under the influence of alcohol; ensure seat belts are used and that children are properly secured in every vehicle; motorcyclists should always wear helmets and they along with pedestrians should be always alert to their peculiar vulnerability on our roads.”
Mrs Hanna-Martin also extended her condolences to the grieving families of these latest traffic fatalities.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
How about enforcing some traffic laws and education for pedestrians, school children especially. Provide education for motorcyclists on what is legal and what is illegal. Some motorcyclists for example really believe that they don't have to wait at a stop light; if a driver hits them while they are making a third lane, the driver is in the wrong. There's a whole screwed up psyche regarding right and wrong in this country. Some young men for example believe "crimes" is an actual occupation.
sansoucireader 10 years, 10 months ago
Tired of seeing motorbikes with no license plates on them!
sansoucireader 10 years, 10 months ago
What Ministry would/should be responsible for putting down pedestrian crossings? One is badly needed somewhere near the junction of Prince Charles Drive/Elizabeth Estates & Eastwood (where the 1st fatality occurred?) Can be like a racetrack out there and dangerous, especially when there are school-children trying to dash across after 3pm.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 10 months ago
True. I'm always amazed when I see a bus pick up someone up at a non-bus stop then stop again literally no less than 2yards away to let someone off. I'm thinking to myself, was that person really that lazy that they couldn't walk that distance rather than make the bus waste all that energy starting an stopping...he must have just been revving up in 1st gear before he had to slam breaks again
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