On motor insurers’ roundabout thinking

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network has expressed concern about statements from the president of the General  Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) about the increase in motor vehicle accidents and the likely increase in insurance rates.

But it seems as if there are some individuals and entities quietly benefiting from increased accidents along with increased insurance premiums.

Based on statements and the attitude of the GIAB, it seems as if there is more interest in the increase of insurance premiums than in seeking mitigation measures to reverse the increasing number of accidents.

It is not only sad but unfortunate that a number of entities concerned about the business of road safety do not see the risky and hazardous manoeuvres in the vicinity of roundabouts as a major contributor to the increase in motor vehicle accidents.

Meanwhile, the destruction of productivity caused by motor vehicle accidents is being wished away but remains the Achilles heel of vibrant economic growth.

Deaths, injuries, broken limbs, medical bills, damaged and written-off motor vehicles, labour costs, and replacement parts linked to foreign currency all add to the haemorrhaging of financial and other limited resources.

The behaviour and attitude of those who can make a difference are beyond mind boggling.

This letter-writer will continue to say, even if not supported by traditional opinion shapers and influencers, that the manoeuvre of shifting from left to right and then proceeding straight ahead is risky and dangerous, contributing to frequent accidents at roundabouts.

Author and motivational speaker Anthony J D’Angelo has warned: “Do not let your persistence and passion turn into stubbornness and ignorance.”

Michael Ray