Motorists urged to exercise caution on the roads on Independence Day

Vice Chairperson of the National Road Safety Council Dr Lucien Jones is urging motorists to be extra cautious on the roadways on Independence Day, expressing concern about the number of road fatalities since the start of the year.

“Let us try and celebrate [today] with a sense of pride in our country, a sense of hope for the future of our country, let us do so with responsibility as we drive from wherever we are going to visit whoever,” he said.

Jones noted that 232 people have died on the nation’s road this year, compared with the 233 people who died during the same period last year, plunging numerous families in mourning.

Motorcyclists account for 63 or 27 per cent of fatalities since the start of the year.

He noted that a number of these crashes are caused by reckless driving.

“If we follow the rules of the road, if we stop driving so recklessly and at such great speed, if we remember to buckle up and put on a helmet, if we don’t drink and drive, if we don’t smoke marijuana and drive, if we do all the right things then [today] can be a time of celebration,” he said.

He added; “Let us, therefore, try as a nation to be mindful of others on the road, to be mindful of our own challenges and to drive with care, lest we cause harm and pain to others and to ourselves and our families.”

- Sashana Small

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