Rotary launching pedestrian safety program

By Yasmin Popescu

yasmin@nasguard.com

Another great project being undertaken by the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise is a pedestrian safety program initiated by Rotarian Dwayne King.

King said he noticed that a number of people walk early in the morning, when it is still quite dark with dark clothing on.

He further noted that several persons have been killed while on their morning walks.

To assist, the club will be giving out safety vests to walkers and runners alike to keep them safe.

Partnering with the Club is the Royal Bahamas Police Force, who wish to expand the program and the education of the public on safety measures for pedestrians, cyclists and automobiles.

Addressing the club this past Wednesday morning was Assistant Superintendent of Police Kenwood Taylor the officer in charge of The Traffic Division, who spoke on the many methods that his officers are using to make our roads safer and to enforce the traffic laws of The Bahamas.

According to ASP Taylor in 2010 we had 1,325 traffic accidents investigated, compared to 931 accidents in 2011, however, there were 18 pedestrian accidents in 2011.

ASP Taylor also said that the major contributors to these accidents were speed and driving without due care and attention.

"Drivers are texting and talking on phones while driving, drinking and driving, arguing and just not paying attention to themselves, other vehicles and abiding by the law," he stated.

He said his department is vigilant in enforcing the law and has taken a zero tolerance mandate to enforce the traffic laws from littering to stealing a car.

Walkers and joggers must also be attentive he stressed, not walking or jogging in the street or highway and make sure that they are facing traffic.

Both the Rotary Club and the Royal Bahamas Police Force have committed to work together to ensure the safety of every pedestrian and driver on the streets of Grand Bahama, noting that one life lost or injured is one too many.

The Grand Bahama Sunrise Rotary Club has been involved in several safety programs; installing reflectors on the roads in East and West Ends and presently they are installing buoys along the beach coast of Grand Bahama all the way to the Lucayan Waterway, having already installed several hundred feet in front of Silver Cove.

© 2012 The Freeport News