By Barbara Arrindell
There appear to be two easily identified crime situations that have the potential to impact the lives of all of us in Antigua and Barbuda every day.
One involves what we often hear referred to as violent crimes, with an emphasis, at the moment, on such crimes committed by young people. The other, dangerous driving, can also be considered to be a violent crime with automobiles driven at excessive speeds, or in a careless manner, becoming the weapon of choice.
The latter comes under the microscope this weekend as a topic for discussion on the Big Issues show.
A look through the newspapers over the last few weeks reveals the number of people who have sought medical attention as a result of vehicular accidents. There are unfortunately also people who have lost their lives.
With a health care system that is already stretched to capacity there is a real need to find ways to reduce the number of casualties caused by some of these preventable accidents.
On the Government Information Services (GIS) Facebook page, a post dated September 13 2024 states, “The government of Antigua and Barbuda has implemented a demerit point system for traffic violations committed by drivers. An accumulation of points can lead to the suspension of a driver’s licence.”
The post goes on to explain that some violations may cause a driver to receive one demerit, most offences attract two demerit points, and in cases involving dangerous overtaking a person could get as many as five demerit points.
An accumulation of 14 or more demerits in a one-year period could lead to a driver’s licence being suspended for six months. The Traffic Commissioner has the authority to suspend a licence for one year if a person accumulates 18 or more points in a two-year period.
In some countries people must complete a refresher course in driving education before a suspended licence is reinstated. It is not clear if this will happen in Antigua and Barbuda.
A small informal survey conducted this week by the Big Issues showed that local drivers consider (1) the lack of use of an indicator to be the most annoying infraction in Antigua and Barbuda. (It is not clear if this attracts any demerit points). This is followed closely by (2) drivers who refuse to dip their lights when approaching an oncoming car at night. (It is not clear if this attracts any demerit points). (3) The use of fog light was also considered to be both annoying and dangerous. (This may attract two demerit points).
Drivers were very concerned with excessive speeding. It is also not clear if this attracts any demerit points, but it is an offence for which a driver could receive a ticket.
Cyclists have expressed concern that dangerous situations they face daily are not addressed in this demerit system.
Join us this Sunday on the Big Issues show on 91.1FM at 1pm and send your thoughts on the measures being taken to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents on our roads.
