Motorists are urged to exercise greater caution on the island’s roadways this Thanksgiving weekend as concerns continue about road fatalities, serious collisions, and unsafe driving practices.
The appeal comes from GK Insurance EC (GKIEC) ahead of the October 5 Thanksgiving holiday, when increased travel, family gatherings and social activities are expected to put more people on the roads.
Road Safety, Top Concern
Road safety has remained a major concern across Saint Lucia, with fatalities and serious crashes continuing to place pressure on families, emergency responders and the wider community.
Tammara Glaves-Hucey, Managing Director of GKIEC, said the long weekend should be a time for Saint Lucians to enjoy family, friends and community, but warned that one poor decision behind the wheel can have consequences that last far beyond the holiday.
“Thanksgiving should be remembered for the time we spend with the people who matter to us, not for a collision that could have been prevented,” Glaves-Hucey said. “Speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and driving after consuming alcohol are all decisions that can quickly turn a celebration into tragedy.”
She encouraged motorists to plan their journeys before leaving home, allow extra travel time, appoint a driver when alcohol will be consumed, and avoid using mobile phones while driving.
Drivers are also being urged to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out, paying close attention to tyres, brakes, lights and other essential safety equipment.
According to Glaves-Hucey, road safety should also be viewed as part of broader personal and financial preparedness.
“Insurance is there to help when something goes wrong, but being in your corner begins before there is ever a claim,” she said. “Prevention is always preferable. We want motorists to protect themselves, their passengers and every other person sharing the road.”
Last year alone, 14 Saint Lucians lost their lives to motor vehicle-related accidents, and while this is a downward trend, the company believes they could have been easily avoided.
Reiterating her sentiments, Roger Hare, Regional Business Development Manager of GKIEC, says vehicle owners should use the holiday period as a reminder to ensure their insurance coverage and vehicle documentation are current and that they understand the level of protection provided by their policies.
He said motorists should also know what to do if a collision occurs, including safely documenting the scene where possible, exchanging relevant information with other parties, making the necessary reports and notifying their insurer promptly.
“Both the insurer and the insured have roles to play in achieving the best possible outcome after an accident,” said Hare. “Keeping your coverage appropriate and up to date, maintaining the right documentation and reporting an incident promptly can make the claims process significantly easier during what is already a stressful experience.”
He added, however, that the priority remains preventing accidents from happening in the first place.
“This Thanksgiving weekend, slow down, put the phone away, do not drink and drive, wear your seat belt and show other road users the same patience and consideration you would want extended to your own family,” he urged.
“Everyone wants to reach their destination safely. That should be the goal every time we get behind the wheel.”