A recent vehicular accident in Choiseul left multiple people injured after a public passenger vehicle plunged down a precipice, reigniting concerns over road safety, vehicle maintenance and infrastructure in the area.
The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and upgrades to public infrastructure.
Choiseul’s parliamentary representative, Bradley Felix, addressed the issue, urging both the public and authorities to take proactive measures. While refraining from assigning blame, he emphasised the critical need for regular vehicle inspections, particularly for passenger transport.
“I’m not saying [poor maintenance] is the reason for the accident, but maintenance of vehicles is extremely critical, particularly vehicles that carry passengers,” he said.
He recounted the accident’s details, explaining that the driver experienced brake failure and attempted to avoid the precipice by steering into a gutter. Despite the presence of barriers, the vehicle still went over the edge.
Felix highlighted how Choiseul’s rugged terrain, marked by steep ridges and valleys, makes safety infrastructure like guardrails essential.
“I have actually made requests to the Ministry of Infrastructure for various areas where barriers [need] to be erected,” he said, adding that he had not yet received a response.
The MP also called on passengers to voice concerns when they feel unsafe.
“I want to urge all drivers to be safe on our roads,” he said. “Choiseul has had a few incidents in recent times….passengers who travel on these public buses need to bring to the drivers’ attention if they are not comfortable with the driving.”
Beyond road safety, Felix raised broader concerns about delayed government action and stalled community projects.
“We have to speak out about what we want in the community,” he said. “[The] Budget does not provide any sort of relief on our roads, and sometimes you wonder if, sometimes, the conditions of our roads are responsible for some of the accidents.”
Felix pointed to neglected public facilities, including two newly rebuilt community centres that remain closed.
Aa another concerned parliamentary rep. Btw Which ministry you depending on too something about Road Safety? Where is the Road Safety Campaign King and Miguel kept preaching about after every road accident or fatality? Umm dream on.
The government need to put a points based system for reckless driving. Suspended licenses, issue tickets and raise insurance of these reckless persons on the roads.
You have to make persons feel it in their pockets, that’s the only way they will respect the traffic laws.
While some accidents occur because they simply are unavoidable, others occur because of sheer reckless and callousness which could be avoided. By far the latter is the majority. I think the traffic police need to step up their game and charge and even jail drivers for reckless driving, for example if someone is seen driving on the opposite lane against oncoming traffic. This is a dangerous situation and often occur at night. It puts everyone at risj. Also there are some drivers that overstep into the opposite lane when turning in a bend. That tok is reckless and should be punished with severe consequences by the appropriate authirities. Otherwise these traffic accidents sre going to go up alarmingly. It is already bad enough as it is for a small island nation.
Areas with dropsrequire railings too. We have visitors renting cars here. Look at the Morne Castries bound past the Governor General residence, there are no railings or hazard signage.
MP needs to talk about holding public vehicles drivers liable for driving passengers with faulty brakes.
There are no rules when it comes to road traffic in Saint Lucia OR should I say there are rules but no one to enforce it. May someone please tell me if they know of anyone who got arrested for a DUI in this country? because we all know people are constantly driving under the influence of alcohol. Folks please don’t get me wrong I am not accusing the driver of this last incident of being intoxicated.
Just saw a man on the Gros Islet highway speeding on a motorcycle with a child no older than 5 yrs old. None had helmets. They sped right past a new police pick up.