BRSA cautions drivers

Following two road collisions in three days, President of the Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA) Sharmane Roland-Bowen is pleading with motorists to drive defensively and pay close attention to what is happening on the roads, especially as the Christmas festivities draw near.

Hours after 74-year-old Denzil Allman died after the vehicle he was driving collided with a police vehicle along Black Rock Main Road at its junction with Fairfield, St Michael, Roland-Bowen told Barbados TODAY that she was concerned about the number of recent road accidents. There have been 16 road fatalities from 15 collisions so far in 2021.

Roland-Bowen is advocating the use of caution when driving. She is also warning motorists, preparing to participate in the Christmas celebrations, to desist from drinking and getting behind the wheel.

“We want people to be vigilant and don’t let their guard down. Don’t be too over confident with your driving. It is hard to lose a family member,” she said.

On Sunday, December 5, four people were injured in a three-vehicle collision which led to emergency crews being called in to the junction of Station Hill Road, Bridge Road and Hindsbury Road, just after 3 p.m. The collision involved two motor cars and a fire tender that was responding to an emergency call.

Roland-Bowen pointed out that earlier in the year when Barbadians were forced to be off the roads due to Government enforced curfew, there were less road accidents.

However, Roland-Bowen said while not everyone involved in an accident would have caused it, it is important that all motorists be vigilant and look out for other road users.

“We know the holiday season is coming and I don’t know what is going to be happening with the curfews, but don’t let us become complacent because this is the time when we let our guard down.

“We know that people are stressed out with all that has been going on and when they get on the road they just drive without consideration for others. They forget all the safety practices and behaviours that they need to keep themselves safe. We have too much to be worrying about, to add accidents at this time,” the road safety advocate said.