Motorists urged to be extremely careful during holiday period

 

Vice Chair of the National Road Safety Council Dr. Lucien Jones is urging motorists to exercise what he terms "extreme" caution on the roadways during the Emanicipation and Independence holidays.

 

Dr. Jones says despite a promising 20 per cent drop in road fatalities compared to last year, holidays are usually a time when more road users are out, requiring increased vigilance. 

 

He noted that 58 fewer people have died on the nation's roads so far this year, when compared to the same period last year. 

 

"Let us pledge to be extremely careful over the next few days while using the roads. You can't really truly celebrate freedom from slavery when you are still mentally enslaved to fast driving. Do not drink and drive. Do not smoke ganja and drive. Both of them will impair your ability to stay in your lane and not run off the road and crash and die and kill others too," Dr. Jones implored.

 

He encouraged motorcyclists to wear proper safety gear, especially a helmet, while operating their vehicles. 

 

Dr. Jones also called for drivers and passengers, particularly those on the back seat, to ensure they are wearing a seatbelt.