BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALTHOUGH4 a 2.11 percent decrease was reported in the number of traffic accidents occurring in 2008 as compared with the previous year, an increase of almost 40 percent in road fatalities has been recorded.

Acting Head of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s Traffic Department, Sergeant Carl Caines gave an overview of the statistics for 2007 and 2008. He said that notwithstanding the general decrease in the number of reported traffic accidents, there is still much room for improvement.

Statistics given by SGT Caines show that in 2007 there were 1 164 reported traffic accidents in St. Kitts-Nevis as compared to 1 140 recorded in 2008. This registered a decrease of 24.

Nevis recorded 280 traffic accidents in 2007 and 261 in 2008 while St. Kitts recorded 884 in 2007 and 879 in 2008.

An analysis of the statistics shows that although a slight decrease in the number of traffic accidents was recorded, the number of accidents which caused or led to death or some form of injury rose considerably.

In 2008 there were 11 road fatalities as compared to eight in 2007. Twenty-nine accidents which resulted in serious injury were recorded in 2007 while that figure increased in 2008 by 37.93 percent. In 2008 the figure stood at 40.

In 2007, reported accidents resulting in minor injuries numbered 159 and rose by 19 in 2008. An 11.95 percent increase was recorded. 

A 5.89 percent decrease, however, was recorded for traffic accidents which resulted in no injury.  In 2007 the figure stood at 968 and 911 in 2008.

On countless occasions, the Traffic Department has executed programmes geared at sensitising the public on elements and the importance of road safety to which persons have heeded. Caines however expressed that the department would not relent in its efforts

He said he deemed it necessary to again voice that while on the lighter side of things, traffic accidents lead to increased insurance premiums, suspension of driver’s licences or disqualification, and the more serious leg of the matter must be considered.

He said persons involved in traffic accidents could be dismembered, maimed or even lose their lives. These outcomes, he noted, have ripple effects which reach individuals, families, communities and even tax payers.

His advised that all road users should make a resolute effort to re-familiarise themselves with the road system and code. The SGT also advised and urged that persons should avoid situations that would impair their judgement. This, he said, would reduce the likelihood of an accident.

SGT Caines expressed his firm belief that with the concerted effort of all facets of society, a significant reduction in the number of traffic accidents could be achieved.