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
The poor condition of the road that causes most of the accidents. Road edges, deep pot holes, no signage, not road markings. The edges of the roads are no longer marked. Most times when it rains you cannot know if there is a pot hole or a river. When you slow down to avoid the pot holes a vehicle sometimes just enters your rear, or some times to avoid a pot hole you ending knocking someone vehicle or even a pedestrian.
I am at a lost for words for the powers that be don’t seem to understand “cause and effect” – I left St. Lucia as a teenager and honestly the roads were bad then and thus far no improvement – it’s really a crying shame.
What about the RSLP police bikes in front of politicians or diplomats driving at high reckless speeds!!! I had to replace an engine mount bc of having to dodge off the road fast s…………
Whilst driver error is a contributing factor in a lot of road accidents, the poor condition of many road surfaces cannot be discounted. Also it is ‘STEP’ season, the workers place the soil, leaves, grass, branches, stones and other items too numerous too mention on the sides of the already narrow roads! Such stupidity and mindless ignorance coupled with crass carelessness never ceases to amaze. This is daily life in Saint Lucia! And then the Prime Minister complains about the increase in accidents instead of doing something about it! In the name of Jesus, repair the roads, at least just fill the holes. And for GOD’S sake, please tell me the ‘STEP’ workers not to leave their detritus on the road sides.