Earlier this year the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) spoke of the number of vehicular accidents reported for 2017 as alarming. However, 2018 has shown a continued and steady increase of the same, month on month, for the majority of the year thus far.
The month of July was a cause for heightened concern with a significant 31 more accidents than during the same month last year. The RGPF have noted that the biggest single factor continues to be the incidence of speeding on the nation’s roads, the combination of additional distractions, such as; cellular phone use while driving and alcohol abuse are all contributing factors to the rising statistics. The lack of helmets worn by motorbike and scooter riders and their passengers, adds to this significant concern.
Unfortunately, motorists in a hurry to reach their destination, or who lack patience, particularly in the morning and afternoon peak traffic periods continue to be risk takers, not only with their own lives but that of their passengers and other motorists who may have the misfortune to be in their paths. Such drivers are requested to give pause and ask themselves if such speed and risk taking is really necessary and worth the possible consequences.
Dialogue with the RGPF Traffic Department confirms that the legislation for both the wearing of helmets and the prohibition of the use of cellular devices when driving, is fully in place and enforceable. These are chargeable offences.
Of interest is the technology that the RGPF is currently exploring to enable them to categorically rule out a cell phone being used by a motorist at the time of an accident occurring. This is not a step towards a Big Brother style of law enforcement, but rather a call for the driving public to be aware that this is a very serious matter and will be pursued as such.
Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Ltd. stands by the fact that awareness is a form of reminder and prevention and has reiterated this by its “Stop & Call” and “Drive to Arrive Alive” messages. Their sense of responsibility, as one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has received the recognition of the RGPF, as they applaud the efforts of all private sector and corporate citizens, who contribute towards making our roads safer for all. A series of motor safety tips along with static and digital billboards have been utilised by Guardian in an effort to sensitise the public and insurance holders, as to how they can contribute to road safety. This synergy and support of the numerous responsibilities falling under the auspices of the RGPF has been much appreciated by those entrusted with the enforcing of the law on the nation’s roads.
Managing Director for Guardian General (OECS) Ltd. Ronald Hughes, commented, “International Global Road Safety 2018, advises that successfully reducing road traffic deaths can be accomplished by prioritising safety when managing speed. It encourages actions such as; setting and enforcing speed limits appropriate to the function of each road, enforcing speed limits through the use of automatic speed cameras; building or modifying roads to include features that limit speed such as traffic lights, roundabouts and speed humps. We see all of these and more becoming ever more prevalent as the RGPF, seeks to make our roads safer. We all need to play our part in adhering to traffic laws and supporting their efforts to keep us alive and well.”
Guardian General (OECS) Ltd
