WITH the country recording two traffic fatalities on the first day of 2014, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna-Martin renewed the call for a national commitment to drastically reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries due to car accidents in the Bahamas.

The first incident occurred around 6.30am on Wednesday on Prince Charles Drive, where a male pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle, with the second incident occurring on Blake Road around 7pm where a two car collision resulted in the male driver of one of the cars being killed.

In the wake of the crashes, Mrs Hanna-Martin said it is imperative for all road users to exercise caution and care, “whether you are behind the wheel, a motorcyclist, a pedestrian or in whatever form or manner you are utilising the streets.”

She said: “Last year, 51 people died as a result of traffic accidents throughout the country: this kind of death toll can not be repeated this year.

“We have a number of new roads and corridors in New Providence which have created an unfamiliar and sometimes even disorientating environment for road users: this creates a heightened imperative that we diligently navigate our streets being cognisant of our own safety and the safety of every single other road user.

“The message is clear and unequivocal; drive with caution and care, paying attention to signage, road markings and signals. Do not drive at high speed; do not drive whilst under the influence of alcohol; ensure seat belts are used and that children are properly secured in every vehicle; motorcyclists should always wear helmets and they along with pedestrians should be always alert to their peculiar vulnerability on our roads.”

Mrs Hanna-Martin also extended her condolences to the grieving families of these latest traffic fatalities.