The Minister of Energy and Transport the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the government recognizes that road safety must be a key priority for the Road Traffic Department.
“So far for 2025, 35 traffic fatalities have been reported, with the majority occurring on the islands of New Providence and Eleuthera. To address this problem the Ministry and the Road Traffic Department have taken concrete steps,” the Transport Minister said during her Contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly on Monday, June 16, 2025.
She said, “We have installed road safety awareness billboards throughout New Providence and the Family Islands, with more to come. In conjunction with a variety of Bahamian personalities, we have released several video messages on road safety and increased our engagement with schools, especially high schools on road safety.”
The Minister explained that in partnership with R.M. Bailey High School, the department created a road safety music jingle which will play on TV and radio stations. “Through the creative skills of Ms. Sasha Rose, a teacher at R.M. Bailey High School, we have caused the design of a road safety mascot to assist with spreading the message of road safety to primary school students.”
She said, “It is no secret that the Government of The Bahamas cannot do it alone. And so, several private sector companies, such as Baha Mar Resort Foundation, Think Simple, Sound Crate, Fidelity Bank, and Insurance Management have agreed to join us in efforts to reduce the number of fatalities on our streets.”
The Transport Minister noted that the support of these private sector companies will go a long way in spreading the message of driving safely to arrive alive.
She added that the Royal Bahamas Police Force continues to advise that speeding is a serious factor in traffic accidents.
“As Minister of Energy and Transport, I strongly urge all Bahamians to drive within the speed limit and to wear a seatbelt. Do not drink and drive. And please, adhere to the speed limit of 15mph in school zones.”
The Transport Minister explained that over the past two years, the Road Traffic Department has issued over 15,700 learner permits with more than 80 per cent granted to young Bahamian high school and college students.
“To promote a deeper awareness of road safety, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, Road Traffic Department, Royal Bahamas Police Force, and other supporting partners will pilot a Future Safe Driver Education Programme during this budget period.”
She said through this programme, students between the ages of 15 and 17 years will be exposed to driving simulator lessons that replicate the driving experience in The Bahamas (inclusive of roundabouts).
“It is important to note that the Future Safe Driver Education Programme will not negatively impact lessons offered by driving schools as the programme will be fully simulator based.”
The Minister noted that as further details of the programme are developed, the Ministry will involve The Bahamas Driving School Association.
