BARBADOS’ ROADS are among the safest in the region. That’s what we were told after a recent survey carried out by the International Road Assessment Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Works.
There is no doubt that this news would have been well received, especially by officials of the Barbados Road Safety Association, who do their utmost to advocate that the rules and regulations that govern the use of the roads be observed.
While we embrace this information, the picture isn’t as rosy for pedestrians. That same study revealed that 50 per cent of the road network received a two-star rating for pedestrian use, while 49 per cent were graded at one star. This particular finding must be a source of concern for all of us.
To keep pace with other developing countries, Barbados’ road network must be improved. The state of a country’s roads influences and bears a direct link to its rating, as well as its overall development. As this country is known as one that “punches above its weight”, it is both necessary and timely that attention be paid to the state of our roads.
It is also necessary when we note the caution from Sharmane Roland-Bowen, president of the Barbados Road Safety Association, who said that of the 23 fatalities recorded last year, seven were pedestrians. This clearly illustrates that more focus must be placed on the safety of pedestrians.
Clear pedestrian crossings and lines must be visible to all, proper signage must be in place, and decent footpaths along busy roads must be built to ensure safety. These are all vital with the increasing amount of vehicular traffic on busy roads.
Motorists must also adhere to the speed limits, as reckless driving and speeding can result in loss of lives. The value of life must remain a constant in the minds of all as they sit behind the wheel.
Last Sunday was World Day Of Remembrance For Road Traffic Victims and on that day, a billboard in memory of road death victims was mounted. Tomorrow is dedicated as Crash Free Friday.
It is important that all of us who use the roads exercise due care and attention at all times. While Government must do its utmost to improve the network, we as individuals have our part to play. Driving with the distractions of cellphones present a threat and could cause accidents. We need to refrain from this level of irresponsibility when we are in the driver’s seat.
As the billboard mounted states: “One life lost is too many. Please drive with care.”