Persons Must Embrace Culture of Safe Driving – Health Minister
By: , August 2, 2024
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Chief Medical Officer at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, Dr. Rory Dixon (right), in discussion with crash survivor, Oraine Elliot (second right), at the media launch of the Grennell's Road Safety 5k Run, held on August 2 at the centre, in St. Andrew. Also pictured (from left) are Director of Nursing at the centre, Andrea Christie, and Director of Grennell Driving School, Alphanso Grennell.
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Chief Executive Officer of the Liguanea Region of Hospitals, Dwayne Francis (right), in discussion with Chief Medical Officer at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, Dr. Rory Dixon (centre), and Director of Grennell Driving School, Alphanso Grennell (left), at the media launch of the Grennell's Road Safety 5k Run, held on August 2 at the Centre, in St. Andrew.The Full Story
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says it is imperative that persons embrace a culture of safe driving and pedestrian awareness, as road crashes continue to be a pressing challenge.
Addressing the media launch of Grennell’s Road Safety 5k Run on August 2 at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre in St. Andrew, the Minister said traffic accidents not only strain healthcare resources but also have a direct impact on public health.
“I consider this an ideal opportunity to reinforce the importance of road safety, as we are in the very active summer season, a time known for an elevated risk of road crashes and fatalities, and to promote the importance of personal health and wellness,” the Minister said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Chief Medical Officer at the centre, Dr. Rory Dixon.
The Minister said aggressive driving behaviours, such as tailgating, excessive speeding, and road rage, are common on Jamaican roads.
“It is part of my responsibility to warn the public of the negative effects of traffic accidents, resulting primarily from poor driving behaviours, and how this can lead to an increased demand for healthcare services. As a health system, our resources are already stretched from the high level of NCDs (non-communicable diseases), and other medical issues affecting persons on the island,” Dr. Tufton said.
The Minister argued that, as best as is possible, the nation’s medical resources need to be conserved, by promoting the things that can reduce road accidents and by equipping drivers with defensive driving skills.
Dr. Tufton noted that the annual Grennell’s Road Safety 5k Run is dedicated to promoting road safety awareness and bringing attention to the victims of road crashes, while simultaneously raising funds for charitable causes.
Proceeds from the run, which will be held on Saturday, August 17, will support the work of the Rehabilitation Centre and the Mona High School.
The Rehabilitation Centre, which is commemorating its 70th anniversary, plays a significant role in providing essential care and rehabilitation services to individuals who suffer injuries from road crashes, contributing to their recovery and well-being.