George Town, Grand Cayman – Thursday, November 28, 2024 – Targeted safety interventions on Spotts Straight have been prioritized as a critical focus of the Cayman Islands’ National Road Safety Strategy, following a recent National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) meeting. Since January, this 1.5-mile stretch of road has seen six fatalities, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive and sustainable safety measures. In response to growing concerns from local communities, the NRSC, in collaboration with the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development (PAHITD), has adopted a multi-faceted approach to mitigate risks along this hazardous corridor.

Excessive speeding has been identified as one of the primary causes of these fatalities, with widespread noncompliance with the 40-mph speed limit. While reducing the speed limit to 25 mph was initially considered, the NRSC concluded that this alone would not adequately address driver behaviour, particularly reckless and habitual speeding. Instead, a comprehensive strategy has been developed, combining enforcement, engineering improvements, and revised safety standards.

Planned Safety Enhancements
Eric Bush, Chief Officer for PAHITD and Chair of the NRSC, has allocated $500,000 to the NRA to implement high-impact interventions in phases:

  *   Traffic-Calming Features:
     *   Construction of a roundabout at the Poindexter Road and Shamrock Road junction to manage vehicle speeds and improve traffic flow. Completion is anticipated by the end of Q1 2025. (see image)
  *   Physical Modifications: Implementation of engineered traffic-calming devices, such as:
     *   Raised pedestrian crossings and rumble strips, to naturally reduce speeds.
     *   Installation of delineators along the centre of Spotts Straight by Christmas 2024. This barrier will eliminate overtaking, which is a significant safety hazard on this road.
  *   Enhanced Road Signage:
     *   Placement of highly visible signs to reinforce speed limits and warn drivers of high-risk zones, also to be completed by Christmas 2024.

Chief Officer & NRSC Chairman, Eric Bush emphasized the importance of these measures, stating:

“Our primary responsibility is to create safe, resilient roadways that reflect our commitment to public welfare. This funding will enable the NRA to implement evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of accidents and ensure the long-term safety of all road users.”

These interventions align with the National Road Safety Strategy and reflect the NRSC’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer transportation environment across the Cayman Islands. Regular updates will be provided to maintain transparency and engage the public.

About the National Road Safety Strategy and NRSC
The National Road Safety Strategy is the Cayman Islands Government’s long-term plan to improve road safety and eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Spanning 2023 to 2038, it focuses on the “three Es” of road safety: engineering, education, and enforcement. Its goals include reducing road fatalities by 30% by 2028 and achieving zero fatalities by 2038.

The National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) oversees the implementation of the strategy and is chaired by the Chief Officer for PAHITD. The committee collaborates with multiple agencies, including the National Roads Authority (NRA), the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), and the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL), to address road safety challenges through data-driven approaches and community engagement.

For More Information
Visit:

  *   Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development (PAHITD)<https://www.gov.ky/pahi/>
  *   National Roads Authority (NRA)<https://www.caymanroads.com/>
  *   Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL)<https://www.dvdl.gov.ky/>
  *   Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)<https://rcips.ky/>