The Editor, Sir:
The article titled 'Skid alert - Road Safety Unit' by Paul Messam, in the August 3, 2008 publication of your online Jamaica Gleaner has provoked further thoughts and concerns related to the issues raised. One would have expected a more in-depth or detailed highlight of the actual reason(s) for skidding - particularly on wet roads.
Many road users are ignorant of the causes and consequences. Surely, the Transport Department along with other experts in the field are aware of the auxiliary causes of accidents other than speeding.
Exhaust system
It is a well-known fact that our roads become coated with oils emitted from the exhaust system of damaged engines; also from the exhaust diesel-fuelled engines with a bad filter system. Asphalt is composed of a percentage of oil. This is evident in the surface water run-off seen in road containers during rainfall. Not to mention the consequences of fumes containing large quantities of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and their impacts on human health risks and the environment. One avenue by which the level of road accidents could be minimised is by the implementation - or revision if needs be - of our anti-pollution laws.
Life-threatening impacts
In spite of the foregoing, no road is 100 per cent safe. However, there are means of reducing the life-threatening impacts. One way is the simple use of what is called "highway landscaping".
This method is commonly utilised in most developed and some developing countries. A good example to look at is a cross-country car racing track. Dealing with high speed is not an easy task and not for one minute could one be suggesting we convert our roads into such. Nevertheless, here the 'trouble spots' are carefully identified and buffer areas are installed with natural vegetation as well as man-made materials geared towards reducing the impacts of an accident.
This will go an extremely far way in saving some lives.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL W. Scott
michaelW_scott@hotmail.com
Professional landscape designer
Buckfield, Ocho Rios
St Ann
