THE?SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE in vehicles on Barbados’ roads over the last two decades is particularly evidenced by the traffic snarl outside of Bridgetown during peak times.
This indicates a rise in consumer purchasing power, the need for greater personal convenience and the inability of the public transportation system to adequately meet travellers’ needs.
While the island’s road network has expanded, as a country we have fallen down when it comes to road usage, observance of the rules and safety. Many drivers and pedestrians either do not know the dos and don’ts or simply choose to ignore them. In many regards, legislation has not been the solution.
So while it was pleasing to hear over the weekend that Government was planning amendments to the Road Traffic Act to make safer our roads, this alone will not now be the remedy. Most people will not read the legislation or the road traffic rules – if they do, they will not understand them, anyhow.
This, we must remember, is in the context of many things significantly impacting on what occurs on our roads. Take the case of technology. The cellphone is perhaps the most widely used communications device and users want it with them all the time. Despite the hands-free support devices, using the cellphone and driving can be a dangerous distraction which can become deadly.
We laud the efforts of those special interest groups, businesses and the police who highlight the dangers of driving and talking on the cellphone, texting, tweeting, or even looking at Facebook. Clearly, it is the user and not the technology that is the concern, because the benefits of the new technology, such as vehicular radar systems, can enhance both safety and give accurate directions.
Then there is the ingrained indiscipline. Foremost is the bad behaviour associated with the public service vehicles, along with the growing non-observance of the rules governing traffic lights, speeding, and the unknown numbers on the road without motor insurance or road tax cover.
Add to those the mistakes of building major roads, such as the Spring Garden Highway, without any consideration for pedestrians or regard for the traditions of the surrounding communities.
What is required is for the regulatory agencies to carry out their duties without fear or favour. Lawlessness, which has undoubtedly increased on our roads over the years, must be brought under control.
With the review being planned, the Ministry of Transport and Works must not simply borrow legislation from another jurisdiction. It must consult with special interest groups and the public. The legislation must be twinned with public education. Common sense must prevail.