An 18-year-old man’s death after reportedly travelling on the back of a vehicle has prompted renewed warnings from the Barbados Road Safety Association (RSA) about the dangers and illegality of riding in trays or trailers.
Head of the association, Rowland Lowe, said the death of Josiah Carmichael should serve as a sobering reminder to motorists and passengers to avoid risky road behaviour and adhere to safety regulations.
“Any loss of life is one too many,” Lowe said. “It touches not only the immediate family, but it touches the community and the public as a whole as well when we see these things happen.”
He stressed that while the RSA’s goal – though it may not be entirely practical – is to reach the point of zero accidents on the road, he urged all road users to do their part to stay safe and look out for one another.
Speaking on the legality of riding on the back or trailer of vehicles, Lowe explained that the Road Traffic Act and its regulations prohibit passengers from travelling on any part of a motor vehicle or trailer except inside the cab.
“Persons are supposed to ride on the inside of the vehicle, not on the outside of the vehicle, not on the trailer or any other things… onto the vehicle.”
Station Sergeant Robert Smith of the Barbados Police Service confirmed the legal framework under the Road Traffic (Use of Motor Vehicles) Regulations, 1984, Regulation 312(1).
“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not allow any person to ride on the back or trailer of a vehicle,” Smith said. “If persons who own a business want passengers on the back of their vehicles, they must apply to the Public Licence Authority for a permit. The vehicle must be configured with a cab and proper seating capacity for the number of persons to be carried.”
He added that no one may travel on the back of a vehicle unless written permission has been granted.
Regarding police officers travelling in the back of vehicles, Smith clarified:
“Most police officers are inside the cab. It is not a common practice, and it is not allowed unless written permission has been given.”
Lowe noted that despite ongoing awareness efforts, some people continue to take unnecessary risks, often believing nothing will happen.
“Unfortunately, something happened to this young man and he lost his life and… You don’t mean to be insensitive because he has a family, he has friends and we all have family and friends and to lose someone in such a tragic way is really traumatic and hurtful,” he said.
He encouraged the public to avoid taking chances and to remember that the safest place to be is inside a vehicle, not on the tray or trailer.
“Ensure that you are as safe as possible, you look for other persons on the road, you drive with due care and attention and you adhere to the rules and the regulations set up for travelling on the road.”
Lowe also acknowledged the emotional toll such tragedies have on families and communities. He reminded the public that the Barbados Road Safety Association offers counselling and support through its victim support unit, led by Pastor Jamal Medas.
The unit provides guidance and counselling to individuals who have experienced trauma and can be contacted at 823-2016.
“His team of trained counsellors are available to assist persons as they traverse and manoeuvre through these trying and traumatic times,” Lowe said.
(LG)
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