Dear Editor,

In 2013, 305 Jamaicans died from fatal traffic crashes. Of that number, 89 were pedestrians. In addition to the tremendous loss suffered by family and friends as a result of the untimely passing of their loved ones, the continued carnage on our roads also rackes up millions of dollars in hospitalisation and follow-up care of those individuals who were injured in traffic accidents as well. We cannot continue along this path of recklessness on our roads.

Our pedestrians are at particular risk on our roads. We are now at a point in our nation’s history where we need to be more creative in using the mechanisms available to decrease traffic deaths. One such road safety system is our pedestrian crossings. I am proposing a change in the colour of our pedestrian crossings from the predominantly white to a more eye-catching colour. We need to move with the times, and as such we should be using fluorescent colours, such as neon green, that will definitely raise the visibility of our pedestrian crossings, and in so doing save lives. There have been too

many instances where motorists have been driving along

only to suddenly come upon a pedestrian crossing.

There is also a need for us to revisit the correct use of pedestrian crossings. It is very clear that too many of our road users are clueless where this is concern. A pedestrian crossing is not simply any location where the pedestrian leaves the sidewalk and enters the roadway.

Historically, we have not done a good job of maintaining our physical structures, and this fact is visible in the many faded pedestrian crossings islandwide. Road safety should be everyone’s business and every effort

should be made to reduce deaths on our roads.

Each life is precious, and if one life can be saved by implementing a new measure, then it’s worth the investment of State resources, as well as the time and effort. We all have a responsibility to work towards reducing road fatalities.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

www.wayaine.blogspot.com