Dear Editor,

It appears that two lanes are no longer enough for drivers of public passenger buses that ply the PJ Patterson Highway in St Catherine.

Lately, there has been a worrying trend in which coasters and minibuses take to the narrow soft shoulder to overtake vehicles, which are by no means going slowly, given that generally the highway is a haven for speed. As they make their way to their destinations dead or alive, unsuspecting motorists are only alerted by the trail of dirt and flying stones they leave behind.

Since the Government plans to collect over $1 billion from traffic fines in the 2025/26 fiscal year, the traffic police could make a killing here. The problem is they are stationed in the same predictable spot every morning (regular users of the roadway know exactly where they will be), giving room for the mayhem to occur after passing them. Perhaps, switch things up a bit?

With the country recording under 400 road fatalities last year, the National Road Safety Council has its sights set on a further reduction to under 300 in 2025. The Road Safety Unit continues to do its part in raising awareness about road safety, reducing accidents, and improving traffic behaviour through various campaigns and programmes. Sadly, it falls on deaf ears for some drivers. Imagery of carnage is of no effect, as I suppose they fancy themselves better than the ones who sped to their deaths.

Additionally, despite the new Road Traffic Act that came into effect on February 1, 2023 with its increased fines, it seems to not be a deterrent for some drivers who have little to no regard for life. Operators of public passenger vehicles often cry foul whenever the authorities try to reign them in by hitting them in the pockets, but it seems this may be the only way to achieve compliance.

I often wonder whether the passengers aboard these buses are OK with the recklessness and lack of care for their lives. Yes, we want to arrive at our destination on time, but the key is to arrive alive. When passengers begin to demand better service by speaking out or boycotting, the drivers will improve their behaviour since it means less income. After all, it is money that causes the behaviour. Faster trips equate to more income.

Someone once told me that she was let off midway the trip by a taxi driver because she complained about the recklessness. She happily exited the vehicle, keeping her money and her life. Imagine if more passengers did the same thing. There is nothing impressive about reckless driving. Passengers have a responsibility to leave home early to get to their destination on time, instead of putting their lives in the hands of so-called “shotta drivers”. They also have a responsibility to get back to their families at the end of the day by doing their part to preserve their lives.

A breakdown by parish shows that St Catherine, with eight road fatalities in March 2025, was the most dangerous parish for road users. The potential loss of limb, life, etc., is hell for the victim and those left behind to mourn. Find them and fine them!

Suzette Campbell

suzette.campbell@outlook.com