According to Jean, a major player in the insurance business has stopped insuring vehicles in Saint Lucia, possibly due to the increase in road collisions.

Jean argues that reckless driving not only costs lives, but imposes financial hurdles on many citizens and encourages motorists to exercise caution when driving.

“Those collisions are mainly caused due to drivers being distracted, due to cell phone-use especially, and also drivers being under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” he said.

The seasoned driving instructor is calling on authorities to strictly enforce road regulations as a means to curb the occurrence of vehicular collisions. He also makes a plea for more driver education and sensitisation, all of which he says are lacking.

“The Traffic Department really has to step up. If they need more power, then they should ask [the government] for it, but they need to step up. That's one. And two, we need more driver education because some people need to be instilled that information to reinforce them.”

With one less insurer in the market, he explains, the cost of vehicle insurance is bound to increase, which he says is a concerning trend.

“When you see one insurance company pulls out, what it does is it limits the options we have for other insurance companies. And that is actually causing a burden for us.”

The Ministry of Health has also been reiterating its calls to motorists to avoid driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.