Pedestrian deaths increase despite drop in traffic fatalities
THE Transport Ministry’s Road Safety Unit (RSU) says that while overall fatalities have declined, pedestrian deaths in the island have increased by eight per cent when compared to the same period last year.
At the same time, the RSU says it is concerned about the “wanton disregard” for the Protection Devices Legislation, which mandates that motorists utilise child restraints, seatbelts and helmets.
According to the RSU, 18 male motorcyclists and 10 male pedal cyclists have been killed since the start of the year, and none wore a protective helmet.
“Had these cyclists worn their helmets, we would have been able to cut the fatalities among this cohort of road users by 20 per cent,” said Kenute Hare, director of the RSU.
“Even though it is not yet mandatory for pedal cyclist to wear helmets, the unit is beseeching them to wear this protective device whenever they operate in the traffic environment,” Hare added.
“These road users must understand that it is important for them to protect their head by wearing the helmet,” he noted.
RSU data show that since the start of the year 144 people have been killed in 132 fatal crashes, a 26 per cent reduction over the same period last year when 195 people were killed from 169 fatal crashes.
In the meantime, the RSU says that while inappropriate behaviour by drivers caused numerous deaths, most pedestrian fatalities could be attributed to their inappropriate use of the roadway.
“It is very important that pedestrians recognise that they have a critical role to play in ensuring that the goal of less than 300 fatalities is realised this year,” the RSU director commented.
Hare suggested that pedestrians should ensure that they:
* Wear light-coloured clothing at nights so that they are visible to motorists.
* Cross at designated points that are available, such as pedestrian crossings or traffic signals.
* Obey the traffic lights.
* Walk on the right side of the road where no sidewalk exists, and
* Wait on a motor vehicle to come to a halt before venturing into the traffic environment.
