The Road Traffic Department has embarked on several initiatives to curtail rising traffic fatalities.

“It's a very serious problem,” said Ms Karen Mortimer of the Transport Policy and Planning Unit. “We have a population of just over 300,000 people and we have lost over 500 lives to traffic fatalities alone in the last ten years.

Members of the Road Traffic Department along with representatives of the Transport Policy and Planning Unit finalize plans for Road Safety Month in November. Pictured from left are Sonia Thompson, Margo Adderley, Jerome Bethel, Karen Mortimer, Road Traffic Controller Philip Turner, Consultant and Transportation Specialist Albie Hope, Assistant Controller Brad Smith, Human Resource Manager Shannon Thompson, and, Assistant Controller Ernestine Fernander.

“And this figure does not represent the amount of people who have been seriously injured in road accidents and accidents that resulted in major disabilities to victims.”

Categorization of licenses for drivers of cars, heavy duty vehicles and motor bike riders; revamping of theory and practical examinations for drivers; and car pooling and a unification of the public transportation system are among the plans that the Road Traffic Department has embarked on, said Ms Mortimer.

“We are attempting to unify the public transportation system thereby encouraging people to park their cars and use public transportation,” she said. “And we've also produced a manual for driving instructors.”

November is Road Safety Month. The Road Traffic Department is using it to promote road safety and raise awareness of the health impact and economic costs involved.

She attributes the number of traffic accidents to an increase in cell phone use while driving, applying make-up, excessive speeding, and various distractions including loud music.

“The economic impact of traffic accidents on the country, and families of victim's with injuries, permanent disability or death are in the millions.

“We are appealing to the public not to use cell phones while driving, to pay particular attention to traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, to drive within speed limits and to look out for vulnerable road users,” said Ms Mortimer. “We also encourage people to use their seat belts and helmets while driving.”

Among the plans to highlight Road Safety Month are a push, run and walkathon/health fair, a church service to remember victims of road traffic accidents, and speech/essay contests for high school students. A competition will be held for primary, junior and senior students to encourage them to become familiar with the Highway Code.

Through various presentations that will focus on reducing congestion on the streets, the Road Traffic Department will encourage car-pooling and a greater use of public transportation. A special campaign will be launched to tie in with the festive season that will focus on the dangers of drinking and driving.

Source: Bahamas Islands Info