In the last six years, 341 people were killed in traffic accidents in The Bahamas and the head of the Road Traffic Department believes the figure is cause for great alarm.
It’s why he said on Tuesday that his Department will redouble its efforts to help cut down on the number of road deaths.
Jack Thompson told reporters that the figure included 267 males and 74 females.
He said the initiatives to address the traffic fatality problem will include increased and better road signage, more bus stop signs, a review of the Road Traffic Act, education fora and other public relations initiatives.
Last year, 68 people died in traffic mishaps in the country. Of that number 18 were passengers in vehicles, 18 were pedestrians, 22 were drivers, six were motorcyclists and four were bicyclists.
Mr. Thompson believes the count would have been higher than 68 were it not for some safety measures already put in place by authorities.
“We are not the least discouraged, disappointed but not discourage, because when you look at all that we have done, the question begs to be answered, how come we still have all these traffic fatalities? But for the record, I am of the view that had we not taken the proactive stance that we have taken we probably would have been in the hundreds,” he said.
Mr. Thompson pointed out that last year saw the second highest number of traffic deaths recorded in the last six years.
In 2000 the country recorded its highest traffic fatality count of 76; In 2001, 58 people were killed in traffic accidents; in 2002, the count stood at 54; in 2003, it was 35; and in 2004 it was 50.
“We are going to continue to address the number of deaths on our streets because we are committed to providing a safer environment on the roads of The Bahamas by using education, enforcement and engineering to enable all road users to travel in confidence, free from fear or injury,” Mr. Thompson said.
According to traffic police statistics, 3,576 crashes were reported last year with 360 being hit and run accidents. Police said there were injuries in 872 cases; and there were 2,261 cases of damage to vehicles.
Mr. Thompson said his team will continue to work aggressively to address the factors that contribute to traffic fatalities, including speeding, alcohol abuse and inattentiveness while driving.
“I think the message is getting across,” he said. “It’s sad that it is not getting across to as many as quickly and the numbers are not what we would liked them to be, but we cannot stop our work.”
Mr. Thompson said his department hopes to implement a point system, which would penalize drivers who violate traffic laws. After a certain number of points, their licenses would be suspended.
He added that the suspension of licenses may be more effective than traffic offenders having to pay fines.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
