President of the Antigua & Barbuda Drag Racing Association, Lisa Abraham, (ABDRA) is advising drivers to exercise caution while navigating the roads.
Issuing the caution shortly after the country recorded four road fatalities for the year to date – three during Carnival and the first on July 14 – Abraham said motorists need to come to terms with the reality that the roads are especially dangerous, and they should exercise extreme diligence when using them.
She said that in order to reduce the occurrence of accidents and road deaths, the public should also take the very poor condition of the streets into consideration. “You had your first two road fatalities on a road that is really, really horrible — Jonas Road. That is a road I don’t even transit on,” she said.
“Motorists really need to take stock of themselves and take their time on the roadways. Anywhere you’re going that you’re late, you’re already late … it’s better to get there safe late than not get there at all
Abraham noted that although some drivers may consider the speed limits to be antiquated, “Sometimes, we really need to drive at 40 and 20 mph with the condition of the roads we have.”
She offered an alternative for drivers who are longing for a speed rush: “The track is opened. So if you’d like to put off a little steam and see what your car can and cannot do, then you’re welcome to come and do that.”