Dear Editor,

On Monday, December 2, 2024, I was online talking to a friend who works at Lennon High School in Clarendon. Mid-conversation, she stopped responding to my Facebook messages. A few minutes later I saw the devastating news about a fatal collision involving students from her school. I immediately messaged her again and she confirmed the happening. One of her form students, a female passenger in transit to school, died in the crash.

My friend further explained that the student was “sick all of last week” and so they “spent a good time on the phone on Saturday [November 30, 2024)”. She visited the crash scene and went to the hospital to render support. Her grief was most raw and palpable. Understandably, it was difficult to console her, as many teachers bond deeply with their students, and their untimely demise is harrowing.

This tragic road crash — one of over 300 since the start of the year — has further underscored the need for more stringent road safety measures. Admittedly, there have been numerous campaigns promoting safe driving, but some drivers are consistently reckless. Public education, exorbitant ticketing, strict policing, and spot checks by the Transport Authority seem insufficient, if not ineffective. Still, we cannot throw in the towel. We have to save these drivers from themselves and the motorists and pedestrians they endanger.

Perhaps we should reassess the design of our roadways and provide more built-in crash-prevention structures. For example, hot spots could be widened to accommodate two-way traffic flow on either side with dividing concrete barriers. We could start with the Palisadoes Road, Dyke Road, and the Bustamante Highway — all high-risk areas.

This improved road design could prevent more drivers from veering into oncoming traffic. In fact, research indicates that guardrails, barriers, and crash cushions have helped to reduce fatal collisions in Los Angeles by 29 per cent. Similar measures could yield comparable results in Jamaica.

We should also consider retrofitting our roads with dedicated cyclist lanes. Many non-motorised users have to dangerously compete with motorists for the limited road space. Several have been struck from their bicycles, often sustaining fatal injuries. Let us protect them and their pillions, who are often children being transported to school.

The toll road needs additional signage to clearly instruct drivers entering the main thoroughfare from Old Harbour, Spanish Town, and elsewhere to stop and yield. Many of these drivers carelessly merge into the bustling toll traffic. I habitually slow down, switch lanes, or stop altogether to avoid a collision. A physical structure, such as a large speed bump or hump, may need to be erected to compel compliance.

My prayers are with the bereaved families and communities. I hope more will be done to safeguard lives on our roads.

Shawna Kay Williams-Pinnock

Shawna201@gmail.com