The accident in Clarendon yesterday underscores the madness on Jamaican roads daily. My condolescenes go out to the family that lost their loved ones.
When I visited Jamaica recently I observed an increased police presence on the roads, in a bid to reduce crime and road accidents. However, this latest accident on the Bustamante Highway indicates that there is still a lot more to be done to reduce accidents in Jamaica. Last year 377 persons perished on Jamaican roads, that’s an average of around 1 a day. This is absolutely crazy.
In reading the Jamaica Gleaner today, the same story unfolds. The police telling drivers to drive cautiously seem like a cliché. My opinion is that the laws need to be changed regarding road offences.
For example, other countries have introduced laws against talking on cell phones while driving, and Jamaica is yet to do this.  It is ridiculous to see people talking on their phones while driving, increasing their risk of potential accidents.

I continue to maintain that the speed on public passenger vehicles like buses, taxis should have their speedometer reduced to no more than 80 km/h. I also believe that the same should be enforced for large trucks. These taxis for instance have become a lawless force creating numerous accidents due to careless and reckless driving.
The fines should also be increased for speeding and the breaking of road rules. Some people may believe the fines are high, but compared to other countries they are very low.

I believe that there should be two classes of license in Jamaica. One license for driving within towns and minor roads and another license for driving on highways. In Canada they have taken this approach. To drive on a highway you are required to do another road exam. This approach will ensure that persons are properly trained before they are allowed to drive on highways.
Another suggestion I would like to make is that we should start educating students from an early age about road use. I know currently they teach the basics, but I believe that they should look at a broader approach to road education. In fact, I believe that before a license is issued that each driver should watch a video showing the dangers of careless and reckless driving.
Jamaica is losing too many people because of road accidents and the Government needs to take action now. The people also have a responsibility to warn their family and friends who continue to break the road rules to cease and desist from such behavior.