Amid a surge in road fatalities, Vice President of the National Association of Driving Schools, Kingston Jean has called for stricter enforcement of road rules, a crackdown on indiscipline, and even mandatory refresher courses for long-time drivers to renew their licences.
In an exclusive interview with St Lucia Times, he stressed the importance of discipline, enforcement, and education in reversing the troubling trend.
He identified speeding as a major contributor to increasing road crashes.
Calling on drivers to reduce their speeds, Jean warned: “The faster you drive, the less time you have to stop and the less time you have to assess the situation. Once you run out of time, you also run out of space.”
He pointed to a glaring enforcement gap, particularly during early morning and late-night hours when drivers exceed speed limits, often while under the influence of alcohol.
“We need more police officers on the roads at these critical times,” the driving expert said, emphasising the role of law enforcement in curbing reckless behaviour.
Beyond enforcement, Jean stressed the importance of education in fostering safer driving habits. He said driving schools can help to instill the right attitudes in new drivers.
He criticised the approach of focusing solely on physical driving skills while neglecting the mental challenges of safe driving, such as staying calm in emergency situations.
“It’s not just about teaching someone to handle a vehicle. It’s about shaping their mental capacity to assess and respond to the road environment,” Jean said.
To address these gaps, the National Association of Driving Schools conducts educational programmes targeting young students, teaching road safety basics like wearing helmets and reflective clothing, using seat belts, and crossing roads safely.
Jean believes that instilling these habits early will create responsible drivers in the future. However, he also highlighted the impact of the bad habits of more experienced drivers on new drivers. He cited common issues, such as failing to return to the left lane after overtaking, as behaviours that perpetuate dangerous driving culture.
“We need to address this culture of bad driving habits among seasoned drivers,” he contended.
Jean proposed periodic re-education for drivers renewing their licences. He suggested that long-time drivers should retake practical exams to refresh their knowledge and skills, particularly around critical practices like proper use of roundabouts and shoulder checks.
“Over time, we forget certain habits that could save lives. A refresher would help ensure that we are all driving as safely as we can,” he added.
While some drivers resist the idea of continuous driver education, Jean insists that both new and experienced drivers must recognise they have a responsibility for the safety of others using the road.
He believes Saint Lucia can significantly reduce road fatalities and improve overall road safety if a multifaceted approach is taken to road safety, including stricter enforcement, enhanced education for drivers, and a cultural shift toward more responsible driving practices.
