We join the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association in gravely observing the rising number of motor vehicle accidents on the nation’s roads.
Like the Association, we too are at a loss trying to understand why, as a small and developing country with roads not designed for speeding or driving above a certain speed limit, so many fatal vehicular accidents are occurring.
Saint Lucia has recorded 19 road fatalities so far this year. Last year close to 3,000 motor vehicle accidents were recorded with 22 resulting in deaths.
Saint Lucia is not blessed with enough flat land to build long stretches of flat, well-paved roads that could entice motorists to floor the accelerators of their vehicles. The short lengths of flat roads, with their narrow lanes, in Saint Lucia do not lend themselves to fast driving.
Yet, this is exactly what is happening. Why?
While we may not have the answer to that, certain things can be done to mitigate the carnage taking place on our roads today. For instance, motorists need to understand the dangers of speeding on roads not designed for that type of activity. They must understand that road fatalities are tragic and significant, which extend beyond the immediate loss of life and emotional trauma. Road fatalities have profound and far-reaching effect on a country’s economy.
However, the blame cannot fall on motorists only. Policymakers must shoulder some of that blame for not prioritising road safety measures. For instance, too many of our main thoroughfares are poorly lit at night and inadequately marked. Road signage is not maintained, cannot be seen at night and speed bumps almost everywhere are unpainted, making them unseen from a distance. How many of the traffic lights erected at considerable cost are still working? All of these contribute significantly to vehicular accidents and road fatalities.
Why do Saint Lucian motorists, who pay a road tax, have to undergo this poor service from those responsible for maintaining road safety measures? Do they not understand that road safety measures mitigate the economic burden caused by traffic accidents? Did the government not trumpet that 2024 would be the year of infrastructure? There is no part of a country’s infrastructure that is more important than the arterial infrastructure.
Loss of Human Capital
One of the most direct economic impacts of road fatalities is the loss of human capital. Road accidents often claim the lives of individuals in their prime working years, which can lead to a reduction in the labour force. (Source: World Bank and World Economic Forum).
The death or incapacitation of productive individuals reduces the economy’s overall productivity, leading to lower economic output and growth.
Healthcare Costs
The immediate medical costs associated with road accidents are substantial. These include emergency response, hospital care, rehabilitation, and long-term care for those who survive but suffer from severe injuries. In many countries, Saint Lucia being one of these countries, these healthcare costs can strain public health systems and divert resources from other critical areas.
Economic Productivity
Injuries from road accidents can lead to long-term disabilities, which further reduce economic productivity. Survivors may be unable to return to work or may require significant time off to recover. This not only affects their income but also impacts businesses and the broader economy.
Impact on Households
At the household level, the economic impact of road fatalities can be devastating. The loss of a breadwinner can plunge families into poverty, especially in countries without strong social safety nets (such as St. Lucia). Families may face increased financial burdens due to medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income. This can lead to long-term economic instability and reduced quality of life for surviving family members.
Broader Economic Effects
The broader economic effects of road fatalities include reduced consumer spending and lower investment in human capital. When families lose income due to road accidents, they have less money to spend on goods and services, which can slow economic growth. Additionally, the long-term impact on education and skill development can hinder a country’s economic progress.
Conclusion
The economic impact of road fatalities is multifaceted and significant. It affects not only the individuals and families directly involved but also the broader economy. By investing in road safety measures, countries can reduce road fatalities, vehicular damages and injuries, thereby preserving human capital, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting economic growth. Whilst we have concentrated on the economic cost of a failure to improve the policing of our roadways, we are not unaware of the almost unbearable emotional cost to those nearest and dear to the victims of this unnecessary carnage. Prioritising road safety is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.