Speed up new laws to reduce road fatalities

Dennie Quill, Columnist

There are early signs that 2011 may become the year of multiple road fatalities - much like the year just ended. Although the local media cannot agree whether a vehicle 'plowed' (US) or 'ploughed' (English) into people, the end result is that persons are being killed on our streets and we urgently need to heighten safety on all our roads.

Speeding, improper overtaking, driving under the influence, and blocking intersections, are among the common traffic violations that are seen every day. For example, why do people enter an intersection when it is obvious that they will not be able to complete it before the light changes? On any weekday, motorists can be observed doing this on Trafalgar Road.

Bus and taxi drivers continue to distinguish themselves for their recklessness on the roads and, sadly, other road users are catching up very fast with disastrous consequences for the country in lost resources and the human toll.

Today, my focus is on cyclists and pedestrians. I drove to the airport one evening last week. My route was New Kingston to South Camp Road and on to Windward Road through to Norman Manley International Airport, and I counted 14 cyclists on that leg of my route. Except for two with lights, the others were riding on this busy thoroughfare at night with no lights or reflectors.

Riding for a fall

Considering that most of our roads are not properly lit, this practice is dangerous. And even if accidents involving cyclists are only a tiny fraction of the total number of accidents recorded each year, it is time for the police to ensure that cyclists understand that the rules of the road also apply to them. The fact that anyone can buy a bicycle and start riding does not give the rider the right to endanger other people's lives.

Pedestrians are also flouting the laws of the road. Many road users, including schoolchildren, invariably try to cross busy streets metres away from pedestrian crossings, but never on the designated crossing. Why? True, there are some motorists who ignore these crossings and they should be punished for so doing. However, beyond this, how do schools and parents stop this troublesome minority from harming themselves and others?

I applaud the work of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) for the job it has been doing over the years by pressing for a range of road-safety measures. However, I feel the council needs to undertake bold new approaches to ensure that current laws are enforced, even as it seeks to introduce road-safety initiatives.

Support cellphone ban

In its quest to see reform of the Road Traffic Act, the NRSC ought to ensure that the new laws have teeth. The council should get national support for its call to ban cellphone use while driving. It is a fact that activities such as talking on the phone and texting rob drivers of their focus. But if we cannot get cyclists to put on lights, how will we monitor cellphone usage?

I believe, also, the NRSC should pressure the municipal powers and the light and power company to make street lighting a priority in 2011. If we are serious about heightening safety on our roads, poor visibility and the condition of the roads have to be tackled in earnest.

The investment in road safety is well worth it for the public cost of fatal collisions, and the resultant trauma exacts a high societal cost.

When we hear reports of road fatalities, they should act as sober reminders of our responsibility as users of the road. Each of us must do our part to prevent the next accident.

Dennie Quill is a veteran media practitioner. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.