August 13, 2026
Transport Minister renews appeal for extreme caution on the island’s roads, describing dangerous and reckless driving behaviour as “absolute madness”
Written byMarlene Freeman
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has renewed his appeal for extreme caution on the island’s roads, describing dangerous and reckless driving behaviour as “absolute madness”.
The Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of 4 people being killed in two separate motor vehicle crashes in Manchester and St. ann between Tuesday evening and yesterday morning.
He stressed that reckless and dangerous behaviour on the nation’s roads, places not only those directly involved at risk, but also innocent motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
The Transport Minister said road users cannot continue to treat the roads as places where the rules of safety, responsibility and common sense do not apply.
He reaffirmed that every road user has a duty to exercise the utmost caution, obey the rules of the road and make responsible decisions that protect lives.
The Minister further noted that the latest statistics underscore the urgent need for the re-implementation of the demerit points system, which is set to take effect on October 1.
He clarified that the system is about holding motorists accountable for traffic violations and deterring reckless behaviour that puts the lives of other road users at risk.
Mr. Vaz stated that every life lost on the nation’s roads is one too many, and everything must be done to prevent the needless tragedies.
He further urged motorists to slow down and avoid any behaviour that could result in a serious collision or loss of life.
Meanwhile he also extended condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives and wished for a full recovery to those injured.
As of Wednesday, August 12, the country recorded 172 fatal crashes, resulting in the loss of 199 lives.
July alone accounted for 31 fatal crashes and 41 deaths, with 12 fatal crashes since August.
Despite the continued road deaths, fatalities have decreased by sixteen percent (16%) when compared to the same period last year, representing a difference of 39 fatalities.
