Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis.
By LETRE SWEETING
Tribune Staff Reporter
lsweeting@tribunemedia.net
TRAFFIC fatalities involving women jumped by more than 50 per cent this year compared to 2022, Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis said.
Forty-eight people have died in traffic fatalities this year, with increases among women under 45 and motorcyclists.
“The number of fatalities involving females rose by more than 50 per cent,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said. “The number of fatal traffic accidents involving motorcycles has also increased by 50 per cent.
“These observations are quite disturbing and a cause for serious national concern. Many of the fatal traffic accidents in our country continue to primarily involve young Bahamians under the age of 45. This category of individuals represents the future of our nation.”
Mrs Coleby-Davis urged Bahamians to slow down, drive cautiously, and obey road laws.
“Let me be very clear and direct: we must practice safe driving on our streets every day,” she said. “No one is above the laws of our country.”
“We must obey the speed limit, wear seat belts and put down those cell phones. We must not drink and drive. We must ensure that our vehicles have current insurance. Road Traffic, y’all better get it together, you know that’s my slogan. Get it together and get these cars off the road that do not have insurance.
“We must be courteous to all our road users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists.”
Mrs Coleby-Davis’s comments came during the Road Traffic Supervisors Training Programme graduation ceremony on Friday.
“Over the course of three weeks, the graduates of this comprehensive training programme were exposed to sessions on human resource management, communication, customer service and human interaction, conflict resolution, first aid strategies, stress management and road traffic laws regulations,” she said.
“Graduates, as Road Traffic supervisors, you will play a key role in ensuring that we reduce traffic fatalities and adhere to the rules of the road. Be always respectful and fair, do not abuse your role. Do not get caught up in corrupt practices.”
Comments
IslandWarrior 1 year ago
The Minister's statement, specifically the quote: "We must ensure that our vehicles have current insurance. Road Traffic, y'all better get it together, you know that's my slogan. Get it together and get these cars off the road that do not have insurance" directly validates the need for our 2019 Road Safety Proposal.
This statement acknowledges the long-standing issue of uninsured vehicles operating on the roads and recognises the need for improved enforcement. It echoes key points from our 2019 proposal, including:
Addressing the problem of uninsured vehicles: The proposal contained recommendations for identifying and impounding uninsured vehicles, echoing the Minister's call for action.
Combating corruption within the Road Traffic Department: The proposal addressed loopholes or corrupt practices that allowed uninsured vehicles to operate, aligning with the Minister's direct address to the department.
Therefore, the Minister's statement serves as strong evidence that our 2019 Road Safety Proposal was well-founded and addressed critical issues that continue to be a concern. The fact that the Minister is still voicing these concerns underscores the importance and urgency of implementing the solutions outlined in the proposal.
By highlighting this connection to our 2019 proposal, you can effectively demonstrate the foresight and relevance of our recommendations.
PTI Bahamas urges the Minister and relevant authorities to revisit the proposal, start implementing solutions, and address the problem of uninsured vehicles on the roads.
joeblow 1 year ago
... I bet the vast majority of victims are obese! The risk of fatalities have to increase when a woman is so large that her chest is on the steering wheel of a small Japanese car when she just sits in it. When you combine that with the challenges of trying to resuscitate a large person, you have a predictable outcome!
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