Nassau, The Bahamas – On December 10, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation held a press conference at the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Conference Room to make the public aware of the concern about the spate of fatal accidents on the streets of The Bahamas. The media met with the Minister of State for Transport and Aviation, the Permanent Secretary, the Undersecretary, and Road Traffic Police to hear the Government’s appeal to the civic community to reduce the road rage which is triggering off a domino effect of traffic fatalities. “And as we approach the Christmas season, a season known for family cheer and togetherness and increased movement and congestion on the streets, I want to encourage the driving public to slow down and drive responsibly. Sadly this year, there have been 41 traffic fatalities in The Bahamas, an increase over last year. Police reports suggest that the majority of the incidents were speed related and drivers being overly aggressive and uncharitable on the highways,” said the Hon. Hope Strachan, Minister of State for Transport and Aviation.
“The Road Improvement Project is near completion. However, there remain construction zones throughout New Providence, which can add to frustration and pent up aggression on the streets. I want to encourage Bahamians to approach these areas with patience. Plan your trips well in advance to ensure that you allow time for driving.” State Minister Strachan also addressed the increase in accidents in the Family Islands where there is a growing concern for increased traffic incidents that may indicate a trend of growth and expansion in the Family Island populations.
“It should be noted that traffic fatalities were not confined to New Providence and Grand Bahama. Fatal accidents also occurred in the quiet settlements of our Family Islands, in Abaco, Cat Island and Eleuthera. The Traffic Planning and Policy Unit (TPPU) of the Road Traffic Department is being strengthened to assist the Police Department in investigating these accidents, and provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Works; the aim and objective is to create the safest environment for the driving and pedestrian public. The TPPU will provide advice on traffic flows, congestion road crossings, unfavourable road conditions and driver education. It is established that speed accounts for many of the fatalities and the Unit will also assist with advising whether adjustments need to be made in the speed limits,” said State Minister Strachan. State Minister Strachan advised Bahamians to take road safety seriously this season to ensure that every one arrives into the new year. She advised the public to not drink and drive, get a designated driver, watch out for pedestrians particularly children, slow down and drive at moderate speeds, obey all traffic signals and police directions, and generally practice safe and responsible driving. “I want to encourage Bahamians, as you go about your shopping, visiting, concert attending, partying and Junkanoo preparation, let the joy of the holiday season and the celebration of the birth of our Lord, and promote peace and calmness throughout our land,” said State Minister Strachan.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Minister Hanna Martin and myself, I want to extend best wishes to all for a Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be patient and safe this holiday season.”
Caption: Seated from left: Mrs. Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation; Minister of State for Transport and Aviation the Hon. Hope Strachan; and Inspector Chrislyn Skippings, Director of the National Crime Prevention Office of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Standing: Controller of the Road Traffic Department, Philip Turner; Superintendent Kenneth Strachan of the Road Traffic Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; and Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. (BIS Photo/ Kristaan Ingraham)