NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A few weeks ago, I wrote that Bahamians should expect more from those we elect to govern us and, equally important, expect more from ourselves.
Sadly, I find myself writing again after another series of fatal traffic accidents, including the devastating crash that claimed the lives of four young women whose futures should have been filled with opportunity, not tragedy.
To their parents, families and friends, I extend my sincere condolences. As a father of two young adults, I cannot begin to imagine the grief you now carry. Every parent knows the feeling of waiting for a child to arrive home safely. It is a worry that never completely leaves you, no matter how old your children become.
Unfortunately, far too many Bahamian families have received the phone call that every parent fears.
The time has come for us to stop treating these tragedies as isolated incidents and start acknowledging that we have a serious road safety problem.
Every time lives are lost, we express sympathy, lower flags, attend funerals, and hear promises from our country’s leaders that something must change. Then, life gradually returns to normal until the next fatal collision reminds us that very little has.
This is not a criticism of one government or one political party. It is a criticism of all of us.
Successive governments have introduced important road safety measures over the years, from mandatory seatbelt and child restraint laws, to restrictions on using mobile phones while driving. Each was introduced with urgency, supported by public campaigns, and welcomed in the aftermath of tragedy. Yet, too often, the national focus fades quickly, enforcement becomes almost nonexistent except at the end of the month, and many motorists return to old habits. Road safety cannot become a priority only when lives are lost.
Governments have a responsibility to enact and enforce the law. Citizens, meanwhile, have a responsibility to obey it. Yet too many continue to ignore speed limits, drive recklessly, operate uninsured and unlicensed vehicles, drive while distracted, and, far too often, make the irresponsible decision to drive while impaired.
This combination is costing lives.
Traffic enforcement should be one of the most visible forms of policing in any country. Yet many motorists would struggle to remember the last time they encountered routine traffic enforcement. The purpose of visible policing is not simply to issue tickets or provide escorts for funerals, weddings, official ceremonies and other events. Its greatest value is deterrence. A visible police presence changes behaviour. It reminds motorists that the rules of the road matter and that dangerous driving has consequences.
It is time to send a clear message that our roads are governed by the rule of law. Whether someone is Bahamian, a resident or a visitor, there should never be any doubt that speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving and driving under the influence will be met with swift and consistent enforcement.
The Government has a responsibility to enforce the law. Citizens have a responsibility to obey it. Neither can continue blaming the other while families continue burying loved ones.
As we celebrate 53 years of Independence, we will rightly reflect on how far our nation has come. But progress is measured by more than economic growth or new developments. It is also measured by whether people can travel our roads safely and return home to their families.
The recent tragedies must mark an immediate turning point, not simply another moment of reflection that fades with time. Our authorities should, without delay, increase visible traffic patrols, establish regular sobriety checkpoints, enforce speed limits consistently, and ensure that uninsured and unlicensed vehicles are removed from our roads. Penalties for reckless and impaired driving must be applied consistently and publicly so there is no ambiguity about the consequences.
At the same time, each of us must take personal responsibility not tomorrow, but today. We should not only fasten our seatbelts because we fear receiving a ticket; we should fasten them because they save lives. Children belong in approved car seats, not in the arms of adults. We must slow down, put our phones away, refuse to drive under the influence, ensure our vehicles are properly licensed and insured, and have the courage to speak up when friends or family members make dangerous decisions. Parents, we must continue having difficult conversations with our children, and friends we must be willing to take away the keys when necessary.
We cannot prevent every accident, but we can prevent many of these tragedies if we act now with urgency, consistency and commitment. The conversation has gone on long enough. Lasting change will require both effective law enforcement and responsible citizenship. The rules of the road exist to protect every one of us.
Let us honour all those we have lost and spare those we still can by making road safety not merely a reaction to tragedy, but a permanent national commitment.
– LeRoy L. Moncur II
