Three weeks into the new year, seven people are dead after a string of road accidents. In the latest a conductor aboard a public service vehicle was killed when he collided with a pole on Thursday morning, prompting fresh warnings from police and road safety officials about the island’s worsening record on the roads.
As a northbound public service vehicle travelled from Bridgetown to Speightstown, Donniko Griffith, 33, of Pie Corner, St Lucy, struck a utility pole as he rode the moving bus along Highway 1, according to police. He died at the scene.
Police spokesman acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite said the Police Operations Control Room received a report of the incident at around 9:15 a.m. Responding officers found Griffith’s body on the roadway, and a medical doctor later pronounced him dead.
“This is our sixth fatal accident of the year, bringing the total number of road deaths to seven,” Inspector Brathwaite said. “We ought to drive with caution and pay attention while on the roads. Compliance with traffic laws — whether concerning speeding, overtaking or careless driving — will save lives.”
He urged motorists to adopt a more tolerant and defensive approach to driving.
“Drive knowing that someone else may act outside the law, and that mindset can help you avoid a collision,” he said.
The inspector also appealed to pedestrians to take additional precautions, particularly during early morning or night-time hours when visibility is reduced. He encouraged walkers and joggers to wear fluorescent or reflective clothing to increase their visibility to drivers.
Road safety advocates also voiced alarm at the early toll. Roland Lowe, president of the Barbados Road Safety Association, described the situation as deeply worrying and said it should serve as a wake-up call.
“I want to extend condolences from the Road Safety Association to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives,” Lowe said. “This is the start to 2026 that we would never want to see. It’s troubling, and people need to take note.”
He urged all road users to avoid unnecessary risks and practise greater personal responsibility.
“People need to pay more attention to what they’re doing on the road. Drive with due care and attention and don’t expose yourself to unnecessary danger,” he added, calling for stronger public education and safety messaging.
Similar concerns came from the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), which again warned against unsafe practices in the PSV industry. Director of Communications and Public Affairs Mark Haynes said operating vehicles with open doors placed both conductors and passengers at risk.
“If the door is open and the bus rocks for whatever reason, those commuters — along with the conductor — can be thrown through the doorway,” he said. “If the door is closed, that risk is avoided.”
While expressing condolences to Griffith’s family and colleagues, Haynes said the tragedy underscored the need to follow safety standards.
“We grieve with the family and understand what they now face,” he said. “But we have to do the right things and end the practice of standing in the doorway.”
Police investigations into the incident are continuing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Holetown Police Station at 419‑1700.
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