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'Stop drinking and texting while driving'

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Renward Wells

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

TRANSPORT Minister Renward Wells yesterday said the decision to amend the Road Traffic Act to make it illegal to drive or operate a vehicle while using a cell phone, or with an open alcoholic beverage is related to the "increase" in traffic fatalities, which the Minnis administration suspects is related to people texting and drinking while driving.

Addressing critiques that the proposed $1,000 maximum penalty is too steep, Mr Wells said the government wants the public to understand that it is "serious" about this endeavour. However, he noted the fine is not necessarily "etched in stone" yet.

Mr Wells also eased premature worry over the law which is not yet in effect, stressing that the bill has not been passed in Parliament as yet.

Although Mr Wells could not provide a date as to when debate for the bill will begin, he said the government has done more in the House of Assembly by passing legislation in one year "than any previous government has done".

On September 19, a bill was tabled in the House of Assembly proposing amendments to the Road Traffic Act. If passed, the changes will make it illegal to drive or operate a vehicle while using a cell phone or with an open alcoholic beverage.

The penalty for contravening these provisions will be a fine not exceeding $1,000.

When asked what led to the decision to amend the law, Mr Wells pointed to the number of traffic related deaths. More than 55 people have been killed in traffic accidents this year -- exceeding last year's total of 54.

"We've had an increase in a number of deaths that we suspect is related to people texting and driving and using mobile devices while they're texting and driving," Mr Wells said. "And even perhaps a little bit of alcohol mixed in with all of that.

"I think (Bahamians) are well aware of the amount of time it takes, even though we believe it's not a lot of time, when we pick up that phone to respond to Grandma Sue, or best friend Susie, to send the text. And by the time we look up we're in the back of somebody's car, we're applying the brakes."

Mr Wells said the Minnis administration seeks to make Bahamians more responsible, adding "most" modern societies already have laws in place that address the use of electronic equipment while driving.

"We don't want anybody dying on the streets as a result of those kinds of things," Mr Wells continued. "And so we're just moving The Bahamas forward in that regard. That's what this is about."

Regarding rumours that the Bill has already been passed into law, Mr Wells reiterated that it has only gone through its first reading.

"So I hear all of these voice notes about this law in place and that law-- the law is not in place. It has to be debated.

"As most Bahamians would know, first reading is simply you tabling the bill, and the government saying, 'this is our desire, this is what we would like to do for you, the Bahamian people.' Second reading is the debate, when…all of us stand up and say why we support it or why we don't support it. And third reading is when we pass the bill."

The transport minister also responded to critiques that the fine is too steep, saying the "intense pushback" illustrates that some people "are not going to want to obey." However, he added this is not a finalised figure as yet.

"But we have to get folks to understand that we're serious about this. Because not only are you endangering your life -- you may not value yours. But I'm certain the person who's next to you in that vehicle, or in front of you, or behind you, value theirs.

"So at the end of the day we want to be able to get the point across to the Bahamian people. And the fine is not necessarily etched in stone.

"Parliament obviously has to pass the law, (and) the extent of the penalty for such is going to be a part of that debate. And at the end of the day, let's talk about the bill, once the bill has been passed, and folks have voted on it."

Mr Wells could not say when the debate for the bill will begin, noting the House of Assembly already has an "aggressive agenda about issues that need to come up." These include ongoing work with the OECD and upcoming constitutional amendment bills.

"I think if you would look at what we have done in a year, this government - and I don't want people to judge me like (US President Donald) Trump, when Trump says as president of the United States he did more than any other president before - but the record would show that this government has done more in the House of Assembly by passing legislation in one year, than any previous government has done. Go and check the record."

Comments

birdiestrachan 6 years, 2 months ago

Wells has taken on the DNA of the FNM LIE and LIE some more, It will not work Mr; Wells. prepare for life out of the house of assembly This is good advice use it,

sheeprunner12 6 years, 2 months ago

In Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands and Sweden ............ they ride bicycles in the city ....... ever seen a Asian city scene with bicycles?????? ............. But we have 300,000 vehicles on the streets of Nassau with NO sensible town planning for them.

hrysippus 6 years, 2 months ago

Hey Steepcunner, where you get your figures from?"300,000 vehicles on the streets of Nassau " No there are not, try 170,000 and that is probably too many.

ohdrap4 6 years, 2 months ago

maybe, but then the heat index over there is not over 100F at 80 % humidity.

One time, on a cool afternoon, I borrowed a bike and rode from east end to montague. ONE TIME, ONE LAST TIME, it was way too dangerous.

talk is cheap.

jujutreeclub 6 years, 2 months ago

You all worrying about the high fine as opposed to the safety of our peoples on our streets. A high amount of traffic fatalities and traffic jams are due to folks on their cell phone texting and talking. I've been behind folks who have had traffic at a standstill for a while because their heads was down and they texting. Some people can't talk and drive, less text and drive. If you don't want to pay the fine, then follow the new laws. Before cell phones and tablets came around, what you use to do?. Get with it. If you do the crime, do the time and pay the fine. It's as simple as that. When a family member of yours get killed by a person taxting, drinking, God forbid, then you will know how it feels then.

geostorm 6 years, 2 months ago

@jujutreeclub, we are just a lawless people! But it's like you said, they will not get it until something happens to them or someone they love then they will be crying for the government to step in and do something.

I have to shake my head at my people! They are unbelievable!

sheeprunner12 6 years, 2 months ago

Agree Geo ......... we are just ill-disciplined, reckless and disagreeable as a people ........... Nothing can satisfy our people and we love loopholes.

Porcupine 6 years, 2 months ago

What should be discussed is the fact that many people do not have the skill set to drive. We don't pass everyone in school, but everyone can get a driver's license? If we took 25% of the worse drivers off the road it would make a big difference. Is driving a privilege or a right? There are some, actually many, drivers on the streets of Nassau that have no business being behind a wheel. We ban guns, but let the most careless and deadly vehicle operators ply our streets. Doesn't make sense to me.

sheeprunner12 6 years, 2 months ago

Driving seems to be a right ......... anyone can get a DL and keep a DL regardless of their recorded careless/reckless practices.

Millennial242 6 years, 2 months ago

Ummmm.....'anyone can get a [Driver's License]' <-- really?!?! I think you mean those that 'know someone' can get a Driver's License without proper testing. Because I certainly failed my first test and had to come back again to retake (this was 10+ years ago). The rules of getting a driver's license have continued to change in the Bahamas. Unless there is an alternative government issuing illegal documents.

bogart 6 years, 2 months ago

Government collects taxes from many aspects of vehicle ownership....only some 42 cents goes to gas station operators..rest is taxes...vehicle importation....spare parts...licensing...inspections....car repair businesses business licences...insurance companies paying licencins....banks giving out loans for vehicles.....taxes are needed to pay to operate govt....pay back govt loans....pay ...hahahaha......

sealice 6 years, 2 months ago

They need to make the fine 10,000 and start taking away people's rights to own and operate vehicles.

bogart 6 years, 2 months ago

Failure to diversify economy to obtain other taxable sources leaves vehicle importation,operation,ownership etc tzxes like some 42 cents per gallon gas for station operators and balance taxes for govt.....critical essential means of income....When the present govt can blame the past govt for 2.5 billion in VAT tzxes mismanaged .....and some 45 million ???I believe in shortages by Govt auditor of Road Traffic couple years ago......and noone it seems charged....makes 10,000 drop in da bucket....

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