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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
Press Statement
By
Glenys Hanna Martin Shadow Minister of Transport
On recent traffic fatalities
Sunday March 14th, 2010
Published statistics from the Ministry of Works and Transport disclose that over the last 12 months 56 people have died in traffic accidents with half of the victims being under the age of 26 years. Within the last few weeks there has been several serious traffic accidents resulting in death, most recently a young man killed on the Fox Hill Road.
It is the duty of Government to put in place standards which will lessen the risks associated with the use of public roads and to protect life.
Amendments to Legislation governing the use of seat-belts were passed in both Houses of Parliament more than 3 years ago. This after the bringing into force of the law was delayed in 2002 for an extensive review by the Government and other stakeholders of issues such as the use of seat-belts in public transport, technical issues surrounding child restraint seats and levels of fines. Officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force were trained in preparation for the testing of alcohol levels of drivers in appropriate circumstances and the relevant equipment acquired.
During this period the Free National Movement was very vocal in its criticism of the then government as to the length of time it took to conduct this review.
It is a matter of dismay, therefore, that after almost 3 years in office they have yet to bring that law into force. What is even greater cause for dismay is this Government’s apparent lack of aggression in general as it relates to issues surrounding road safety. The approach has been nothing short of lackluster in the face of sustained high levels of fatalities.
This carnage on our streets exacts a very high emotional, social and economic toll on our country.
We call on the Government to bring a more intense focus to this critical area through its relevant agencies so as to increase awareness and raise standards and to now bring into force the seat-belt legislation including the mandatory use of child restraints.
The issue of road safety is one which affects us all.
It is not a political issue; we therefore declare that the Opposition is prepared to do whatever is necessary to assist the Government in achieving the objective of creating safer streets and saving lives.
© Copyright 2010 by thebahamasweekly.com
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