Three weeks ago three persons were killed after their vehicle collided with a Mack dumptruck, and on Tuesday not far from where that accident occurred, a pedestrian was struck by a dumptruck.
Road Traffic Controller Jack Thompson said officials are very concerned about the dangerous driving that occurs on both J. F. K Drive and the Cable Beach strip.
“When they get on this road and Cable Beach, it is like a race track,” he said.
In April, 71-year-old candy store owner Lester Mortimer died near Superclubs Breezes on the Cable Beach strip after being knocked down by a car being driven by an off-duty policeman.
And even as the signs were being erected, vehicles were speeding past, at least until two traffic police officers showed up on the scene, when a significant reduction in speed was observed.
“They see police now. Look at them. You see how the cars slow down like funeral. That wasn’t a minute ago,” Mr. Thompson said.
The speed limit for cars driving on J F K Drive is 45 miles per hour, with trucks and buses restricted to 30 mph.
The eight new signs, designed to supplement the existing ones,
specify the speed limit, warn against overtaking and caution motorists about dangerous curves.
Sidney Cleare, Senior Superintendent of the Road Sign Department, Ministry of Public Works, said, “In our assessment we figure that eight more signs on this particular road is all we really need for this area here.”
He said that traffic officials considered it important to arrive at some solution as to how to bring some order and awareness to road users.
“It’s a way to reduce the number of accidents on J. F. K. This is a very busy street. We know that going to the airport, traffic is heavy and people are always in a rush. They are running late for checking in or for work and so we thought we ought to come ourselves and inspect the area,” said Mr. Thompson.
He added that a key area to curb speed on the street is having traffic officers enforce traffic laws.
“You could put signs every couple feet, but our view is unless we are able to work in partnership with police and encourage greater enforcement, you have to hit it where it hurts and that’s the pocket book. There must be heavy fines,” he advocated.
Sergeant David Lockhart, crash re-constructionist, said the police have asked the government to increase the speeding fines, as $250 is too low. “If the fines were higher, they would be inclined to slow down,” he said.
The traffic division conducts about three speed checks per week, with J. F. K Drive being one of the main areas of concentration, according to Sergeant Lockhart.
“I know the Ministry (of Transport) is also looking into mobile speed cameras but a number of laws would have to be changed to implement such a programme,” said the traffic officer.
Persons exiting Gladstone Road onto John F. Kennedy Drive would first see a sign specifying the speed limit, followed by another encouraging them not to overtake and a third warning of an approaching dangerous curve.
With little more than a three-mile stretch from the intersection to the airport, Sergeant Lockhart said, “A speed limit sign should only be every half a mile depending on the traffic layout and we have more than the required signage for a safe roadway.”
They were erected to supplement the existing signs, he emphasised.
By: HADASSAH HALL, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter
