With the evolution of vehicles over time, there have been many advancements that current drivers tend to take for granted. Some of these include power steering, air conditioning and central locking. Although these things do tend to make for a much easier drive, they can also serve to insulate the driver from the world around him. Every driver surely recalls an occasion where he/she is driving with the vehicle's windows up and the air-conditioning running during the drive to his/her destination. In most cases this is the more practical option given the heat that one might have to endure in our local climate.
However, this action also restricts communication with other road users if the driver fails to be alert and aware of his/her surroundings. With the rampant use of cellphones, mp3 players and other electronic distractions, this practice can also be downright dangerous at times. Some readers may argue that the use of one's air conditioning unit in a vehicle should not be a problem, and in an ideal situation, it is not. As a comparison, just consider earlier days when a driver's intentions could be emphasised with the appropriate gesture or hand signal; such as allowing a pedestrian to cross the road, or allowing a fellow driver out of a side road.
Nowadays, the use of lights and indicators is more prevalent, when motorists do bother to signal. The problem is that this can sometimes be misinterpreted. There have been reported accidents where a person flashed lights to acknowledge a friend passing in traffic, and the flash is caught by a person who believes he is being let out of a side road. Also, many pedestrians seem to be unsure what the flash of lights means and can't be certain whether they are able to cross the road in safety. Another problem with this trend is that drivers can easily lose awareness of situations that pedestrians and other drivers might be facing. For example, when driving in the comfort of your vehicle with controlled temperatures you may not notice that there is a puddle of water on the road.
Splashing of another driver or pedestrian has occurred and the driver in question has proceeded on his way, oblivious to the distress that he/she has just caused. Of course, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Fire service and the Ambulance service have also complained bitterly about motorists failing to respond to sirens, many times because they simply don't hear them with everything else that is going on in the car. With cellphones thrown into the mix, there is further reduction in concentration that can increase the likelihood of unnecessary and potentially fatal accidents. The new technology that accompanies those devices can worsen the state of oblivion already present in the vehicle.
Furthermore, people tend to exhibit temperamental behaviour towards the potential victim when finally dragged back to awareness in a near miss situation. In general, this lack of concern for fellow travellers is somewhat disconcerting and should not be encouraged. In a small island such as Barbados we have always been encouraged to be our brother's keeper. How can we maintain this objective if we are no longer aware of others outside of the invisible bubble in which we travel? After a month where countless unnecessary road accidents have already occurred, we encourage a speedy return to a state of mind where common sense and courtesy prevail on the roadways. Controlling a vehicle can be compared to handling a dangerous weapon and this awareness can make a big difference on our roads. An accident-free holiday season would be a perfect gift for everyone.
Barbados Advocate