New road safety billboards put up as 63 fatal traffic accidents reported since January

By Aaron Humes: Data from the Joint Intelligence Coordinating Center (JICC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs reports a total of 234 road traffic incidents (RTIs) from January to September this year with 63 fatalities and 338 injuries reported.

It is a heavy toll and often a preventable one. To this end, the Second Road Safety Project in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health & Wellness, with funding support from the United States Government, has embarked on a Road Safety Education Campaign involving the placement of billboards on all major highways throughout Belize.

Road users are urged to slow down, don’t drink and drive, buckle up and drive safely to ensure no more lives are lost to RTIs. The billboards focused particularly on two of the common factors related to road traffic crashes and fatalities – speeding and drunk driving. The goal is to remind drivers not to ‘Wait till it’s too late’ to make the right decision before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle to drive on the roads and highways.

The billboards are located at Mile 6.2, on the Philip Goldson Highway (entering Ladyville); Mile 78.5, on the Philip Goldson Highway (outside of Corozal Town); Mile 66.5, on the George Price Highway (between San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Towns along the Mopan River); Mile 14, on the George Price Highway (in Hattieville); Mile 8, on the Southern Highway (near Silk Grass); and Mile 6.5, on the Stann Creek Valley Road (near the junction with the Southern Highway entering Dangriga Town.)

It is noted that globally, RTIs are already one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. By 2030, it is predicted to be the fifth leading cause of mortality in the world if the current trend continues. With this alarming rate, it is imperative to continue to raise road safety awareness through collaborative efforts and health education. The Second Road Safety Project and the MoHW continue to work with partners like PAHO/WHO and the United States Government to create healthy communities in a safe environment with access to quick and responsible health information.

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