The Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) has expressed grave concern over an ‘alarming’ spike in road accidents and has called for action by the authorities to ensure public safety.
An SLMDA release on Monday observed that in 2023, Saint Lucia recorded nearly 3,000 motor vehicle accidents, 352 classified as major.
Last year, the Island also recorded 22 road fatalities, and so far this year, the road fatality toll is 18.
The Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS), also concerned about the situation, recently revealed that, as of August 28 this year, there were 577 trauma responses to incidents involving vehicles and motorcycles.
Asserting that the current situation is untenable, the SLMDA stated that the road accident spike had increased accident and emergency admissions, putting pressure on the healthcare system.
The Association noted that the situation affects the quality of care for other patients due to the increased use of emergency services.
To address the crisis, the SLMDA urged the implementation of immediate measures.
They included stricter penalties for traffic violations to discourage reckless driving, mandatory breathalyzer tests at checkpoints to reduce drunk driving, increased use of speed detection devices, and more stringent compliance with roadworthiness standards.
The SLMDA called on the authorities to act swiftly and urged citizens to obey traffic rules and drive carefully.
“The time to act is now! Together we can do this,” the Association asserted.
PHOTO: Mangled wreck of vehicle after July 2023 fatal accident at Bois D’Orange.
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