IT IS SOMEWHAT BAFFLING to believe there are still some motorists who are driving on the roads of Barbados and not buckling up. It’s on the statute books that all individuals must wear a seat belt when travelling in vehicles.
In fact, the law goes further, stating that even when the engine of the motor vehicle is turned on but the vehicle is not moving, you should be wearing your seat belt.
Sadly, the fine of $500 or imprisonment for six months is not serving as a deterrent because there are still many who are flouting the law.
At the start of Road Safety Month, this newspaper hit the road to observe some of the bad practices of drivers. What was seen was not only sometimes shocking, but unbelievable. Many are still driving without their seat belts, and doing so while talking on their cellphones. These two, especially when done together, are a recipe for an accident and must be nipped in the bud.
Consultant driving trainer Junior Jordan was visibly frustrated when he accompanied a NATION reporter recently on the road and witnessed several motorists breaking the rules. This, even in the face of what appears to be increasing accidents on our roads.
Almost daily in recent weeks our newspapers have reported at least one accident. Unfortunately, in some cases, they have been fatal.
So the question remains: In the face of increasing accidents that claim the lives of some of our people, why are motorists not adhering to the rules and buckling up?
The issue needs to be dealt with head-on and the road traffic laws clearly need to be reinforced urgently if we are to save lives. The public needs to understand the importance of exercising proper road safety practices.
President of the Barbados Road Safety Association, Sharmane Roland-Bowen, continues to stress that motorists need to use the roads correctly and wear their seat belts.
The notion that the wearing of seat belts is only for front seat passengers also needs to be dispelled. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, including those in the back seat, and the police need to looking out for offenders.
Motorists who drive while talking on cellphones also need to desist from this practice, recognising that these conversations divert their attention. Clearly, we all have a part to play to ensure there is safety on our roads.
One of the most effective advertising slogans some years ago was “Don’t Be A Dummy, Buckle Up”, which stressed the importance of putting on seat belts. Perhaps a new campaign is needed to revive this. Police also need to intensify their efforts at making sure that all road users do the right thing.