Three different road fatalities over the weekend sent shockwaves throughout the community. Especially the one where a two-year-old boy had been killed when a car was reportedly driven into the crowd during a fight led to widespread condemnation.
The suspect soon turned himself in, but that will not bring back this innocent child who still had his whole life in front of him. It was apparently taken away due to an incredibly reckless act that must not go unpunished also to set an example that may hopefully serve as effective deterrent for others.
The garbage collector crushed by the reversing truck after he supposedly fell off seems like a work-related mishap. However, it would perhaps be worthwhile to review safety procedures for performing this job with the contractors involved, as the impression exists that these are not always strictly followed.
The first traffic death of the year also had been no so-called normal accident. It was allegedly caused by a young man behind the steering wheel under the influence of alcohol, which continues to be a big problem on the island.
Then again, the victims did not help their situation either by failing to put on seatbelts. These are legally required since years ago for no other reason than to protect vehicle occupants from serious injuries during crashes and wearing them should by now be a no-brainer.
In connection with these tragic incidents Justice Minister Cornelius de Weever called on motorists and pedestrians to adhere to the rules and not needlessly put the safety of themselves and others at risk. In general, people ought to become more responsible: Think before you do!
