Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan has said that there is no blight or superstitious force leading to accidents at the intersection of the Macoya Road and Priority Bus Route, despite several accidents there in recent times.
The minister visited the intersection with police and ministry officials yesterday and said he had noted the increase in vehicular collisions.
“While there are differing explanations for the seemingly growing trend of vehicular conflicts at this particular intersection, the World Health Organisation along with other leading global authorities on road safety postulate that most road traffic accidents are avoidable. There is no “blight” or other superstitious force controlling the outcomes at Macoya Road and the PBR Intersection,” the Minister said in a news release after the visit.
He said that as it relates to the vicinity, it appeared that human error was the prevailing cause of the incidents.
“Speeding, a lack of full attention while driving, disregard for traffic signals and signs, and neglect for the well-being of other vulnerable road users are all common culprits in the narrative of road traffic accidents,” he said.
Sinanan said that in seeking to enhance safety measures at the site, the ministry will move to place additional traffic control devices, including informative and regulatory signage, along with rumble strips, a feature that alerts drivers by sending a tactile vibration and rumbling sound through the vehicle.
He noted that over the past five years, the ministry has spearheaded several new elements to the system of traffic management and road safety, including the amendment of road traffic laws to introduce a Demerit Points System to monitor and rehabilitate errant drivers and a New Traffic Ticketing System.
He also pointed out the reconstitution of the Trinidad and Tobago National Road Safety Council, a body that will guide a multi-sectoral approach to improving road safety in T&T.
Its major responsibilities will include setting quantitative road safety targets for the country and finalising the National Road Safety Plan 2020-2030.
“On the occasion of this sacred Eid-ul- Fitr weekend, I would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers of the tremendous responsibility that comes with driving at all times. The role of personal responsibility cannot be overstated. It is my hope that citizens would care enough about this issue to enact the change that is necessary. We must be willing to abide by the laws and care enough to do the right thing, as serious road traffic accidents take a tremendous toll on individuals, families and their communities,” Sinanan said.
“I ask that as a society we remember and reflect on the sons, daughters, mothers and fathers we have lost to tragic road accidents and the impact on generations to come. As the lead authority on matters pertaining to road safety in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Works and Transport will continue to implement other extensive changes and upgrades to the traffic management system, but the largest and most influential stakeholder will always be drivers,” he added.
