On Tuesday, emergency personnel from the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) headquarters in Castries rushed an infant and an adult to a medical facility after they sustained injuries due to a road incident.
The vehicle in which the 11-month-old girl and two adults were travelling veered off the road at Active Hill, Castries.
The SLFS dispatched an ambulance and a fire truck after learning of the incident at about 8:00 am and found the child and the two adults awaiting assistance.
However, one of the adults declined emergency transportation via ambulance. Still, the responders treated the infant and the other adult who had sustained head trauma before transporting them to a medical facility for advanced medical care.
Tuesday’s crash was the latest in a sharp increase in road accidents, resulting in over 1000 individuals requiring emergency SLFS transportation to medical facilities.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre expressed deep concern over the nationwide rise in road incidents.
He urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their actions on the road, adding that most accidents result from reckless driving.
“It is an extremely serious situation. I think the entire country should come together,” the Prime Minister said. “Ninety percent of the accidents in this country are because people drive too fast. We need to exercise restraint on the road. Stop drinking and driving. Simple things like not using cellphones while driving.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while laws and regulations are in place, real change starts with drivers.
He expressed frustration with those who shift blame onto the government or politicians, pointing out that many accidents could be avoided by following simple, common-sense practices—like driving at safe speeds and not overtaking on dangerous curves.
Pierre noted that the government is exploring the introduction of breathalyzers to help combat drunk driving.
However, he emphasized that progress depends on individuals making responsible choices behind the wheel, stressing that no regulation can replace actual personal accountability.
Photo: File image
