Comptroller of the Department of Road Traffic Jack Thompson expressed concern on Wednesday over the number of traffic fatalities already recorded for this year when compared to 2004.
He also expressed alarm over what he called a considerable increase in fatalities in Grand Bahama, which more than doubled the number recorded at the end of 2004.
Statistics show that by the end of last year, 50 persons died in The Bahamas as a result of traffic mishaps. With more than a month remaining in 2005, that number has already increased by eight, bringing the national total to 58 fatalities.
There were also 30 fatalities in New Providence, two in Abaco, two in Andros, one in Spanish Wells Eleuthera, one on mainland Eleuthera, and one in Bimini.
On Grand Bahama, 21 traffic fatalities have already been recorded. That number has risen considerably when compared to eight fatalities recorded at the end of 2004.
“We are concerned about Grand Bahama and are putting together, as we speak, a complete review so that there is cause for conducting an analysis of the situation,” Mr. Thompson told The Bahama Journal.
“We do know that most of the accidents would have occurred on Sunrise Highway and perhaps we need to analyze that highway and look at the engineering aspects again.
“There are some persons who would have said to us that the roads are extremely good, well paved and well laid out. But we have to go back to the drawing board and look because a particular intersection on that road itself is where we would have had most of our fatalities.”
The comptroller added that he also plans to review the enforcement aspect of road safety on Grand Bahama with a view to decreasing the number of traffic deaths.
He added that the Department of Road Traffic has entered into a partnership with Texaco Bahamas Limited to erect huge billboards on the highways reminding speedsters to slow down.
“We also have some pictures, graphic in nature, showing accident scenes and remain hopeful that we could mount or erect them very, very soon,” Mr. Thompson said.
He said the Department also plans to announce the winner of the Road Safety Song competition which would be aired on local radio stations as a reminder to the public to drive with due care.
He also said that he remains concerned about the amount of alcohol consumed by the public during the Christmas season and the history of Bahamians to drive while drinking.
In January, the Department plans to launch an aggressive 12-month road safety campaign aimed at curbing the national fatality rate.
By: Perez Clarke, The Bahama Journal
