THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is typical at this time of year to reflect on things past. A significant reflection is the one on road fatalities and traffic accidents. Many reasons are proffered as to the increase or decline of incidents, with driver discipline being the most recent cause uttered. I would like to offer a perspective that I have not seen being discussed.

Drivers all across Jamaica can attest to poor signage related to placement, frequency, visibility and relevance. In addition, road markings also requiring maintenance. No markings or in some cases incorrect markings prevail. Solid lines exist where overtaking could occur quite safely, and the converse, as in dashed lines, are painted where overtaking can be most dangerous.

It begs the question. While the driver is ultimately responsible for his/her welfare and that of his passengers, what obligation is there of the States? Jamaica has a most wide and varied landscape of roads, some built as far back as 50 years ago and not looked at since. For example, there is a recently completed road, the North Coast Highway segment from Port Maria to Port Antonio. This road exhibits physically, the latest technology in terms of road-infrastructure devices for drainage, retention and surface protection.

What about safety?

However, I ask the question if the latest technology has also been applied in terms of safety. For instance, has geomatics/route Geometrics technology been applied? It would not appear so in my opinion based on the speed limit markers, and signage placement. I speak more specifically to the section between Aqualta Vale and Port Maria. There are areas marked for 80km where even a veteran race car driver would be challenged to keep the car on the road. Likewise, there are areas marked at 50km that even with pedestrian considerations could be reviewed. The net result is if a driver is not given the correct information for the safe use of the road the probability for accidents to occur will increase.

I am, etc.,

Hanif McFarlane