

As a result of the growing concern about road traffic accidents, the World
Health Organization (WHO) has decided to devote World Health Day to road safety.
On this day organizations will take the opportunity to raise awareness about
traffic injuries, the consequences of such injuries and the economic costs to
society. In addition, the options of how such injuries can be prevented will be
examined.
The theme "Road Safety Is No Accident" is very pertinent to us as a nation,
given the recent upsurge in road accidents over the years. The combination of
increasing traffic intensity and the indiscriminate usage of our roads has
contributed to the problem. In the year 2003, St. Lucia recorded 22 fatal
accidents and 27 deaths. For this year there have been 12 road fatalities. As a
result road traffic injuries are becoming a major public health problem due to
the increasing number of deaths and the increase in the cases of disabilities.
Not only do increasing road accidents place a strain on the health system, but
it also impedes the development of our country. Road accidents do have a
detrimental impact on the productive ability of our human capital since road
traffic injuries occur amongst persons 15-44 (productive years). Worldwide
estimated yearly economic costs to developing countries of road accidents are
about $65 billion.
St. Lucia is increasingly feeling the socio-economic brunt of road accidents.
More accidents mean a higher level of absenteeism and overall decrease in
productivity. The National Insurance Corporation has to pay a significant amount
of money in workers compensation that could have otherwise been put to more
productive use. In addition, road injuries such as broken limbs and paraplegia
reduce the families' potential to earn income and profoundly affect the
breadwinner's self-esteem. Further, the psychological impact of road accidents
is profound when it comes to public confidence on our roads. Accidents
breed discontent and fear, thus it is imperative that people feel confident in
using our roads.
Alacóz di konsén ogannizasyon santé laté-a (WHO) ni asou zafé twafik asou chimen,
yo ja desidé pou mété antansyon asou sa, lanné sala, pou jounen santé.
Pou jounen sala diféwan ogannizasyon kay pwan lokazyon-an pou fé moun chongé sa
ki ka fét pa aksidan ék konsékans sé aksidan sala asou sosyété-a.
Pou nou an sent lisi, tém-la sé an bou tém kon nou ja ni anchay moun ka mó asou
chimen péyi-a wisenman.
Lanné pasé peyi-a wéjistwé venndé aksidan ki annékóz lanmó venn sét moun. Deja,
pou lanné-a douz moun ja péd lavi yo asou chimen-an. Sitiwasyon sala ka montjwé
ki blésé pa aksidan sé an go poblenm pou systenm santé ék moun ki ka vini
ankapab pa aksidan.
Akisdan asou chimen pa ka annik mété pressure asou systenm santé; i ka osi tjenn
dévélopman peyi-a déyé-kon sé moun-la ki ka afékté pa aksidan sé pito jan láj
kenz pou kawant-kat lanné.
Kopowasyon lasiwans nasyonnal (NIC) ni pou péyé anchay lajan pou wékonpansé
twavayé; lajan sala té sa sévi pou lót sévis pibilik-la. Osi, aksidan asou
chimen-an ka anpéché lafanmi wisivwé lawivini ék i ka annékóz anchay lapéwéz.
The ministry firmly believes in prevention as our primary strategy in addressing
road safety. Given the detrimental health and socio-economic impact of road
accidents, we need to inculcate greater transport responsibility in our daily
lives. A significant part of this approach requires reducing the risk factors
that contribute to accidents. Injuries are preventable; seat belts, child car
seats, motorcycle helmets, designated drivers, limiting alcohol consumption and
greater visibility of people walking and cycling - all contribute towards safer
driving.
In order to strengthen road safety awareness, it is essential that a multi-sectoral
collaboration is used. The road transport board, private sector, NGO's and
community groups can all become stronger advocates for road safety. Thus, world
health day is an opportunity for the state of our health. Our focus on road
safety awareness and prevention is fundamental to preserving our transport
health. In this regard, we hope to make our roads safer for a more secure
future.
Minis santé kwé pli méyé mannyé pou adwésé poblenm aksidan asou chimen sé pou
anpeché 'y. Nou sa anpéché aksidan si nou pwan pli weskonsabilité. La ni bagay
nou sa fé kon: sévi seat belt, sévi seat timanmay, helmet pou moun ki ka kondwi
motorbike, doubout bwé pandan ou ka kondwi machin. Tout sa, ek plis kay fé'y pli
méyé pou navidjé chimen-an.
Pou fé zafé pokosyon asou chimen pli fó, i nésésé pou tout diféwan sekté
patisipé. Road transport board-la, sekté pwivé, órgannizasyon ki pa afiliyé épi
gouvédman (ngo) ék diféwan gany' an sé konmin-la ék minis santé menm. Nou an
minis santé kay sévi jounen sala pou fé tout sa nou pé, pou fé chimen nou pli
méyé an tan ki ka vini.