Fire Chief Zebalon A. McLean is given a road safety flyer by a member of TRW. Photo: Provided

The road safety flyer being shared by Tola Race War (TRW) members during Emancipation Festival 2016. Photo: Provided

Not allowing the rain to stop them from getting the message across! Photo: Provided

Sharing the road safety message to members of the BVI Taxi Association. Photo: Provided

Former legislator Elvis J. Harrigan (right) receives a road safety flyer. Photo: Provided

Some of the hard working members of Tola Race Wars (TRW). Photo: Provided

Distributing road safety flyers in Rita Francis Festiville. Photo: Provided

Distributing road safety flyers in Rita Francis Festiville. Photo: Provided

President of TRW, Dr Carl Dawson said they are cognisant of the fact that festival is a time where individuals celebrate their emancipation, “But one can be careful and celebrate this event. Several years I have seen a number of casualties due to motor vehicle accidents during the carnival season,” he said.

Statistic were not readily available to determine if there has been an increase or decrease in the number of road accidents especially at this time of the year. None-the-less, according to Dr Dawson, they hope to reduce the number of accidents by handing out flyers as quick reminders to patrons of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Just this morning August 2, 2016 a motor scooter rider was rushed to Peebles Hospital after he became involved in an accident at Kingston on the main island of Tortola. It appeared that the motor scooter rider collided with an SUV rental.

The members of the locally based non-profit organisation are very passionate about safety. TRW is imploring motorists to be safe this festival season.

Be safe this festival season

Constable Guy Mathias (TRW member) said that there has always been an increase in motor vehicle accidents during the festivities and therefore it is very important to remind the participants of the festival to be vigilant and safe for the festival season.

Miss Xaverna Samuels, Vice chair of Virgin Islands festival and Fairs committee, said ‘I’m glad that TRW has decided to continue their road safety campaign throughout the festival season. During our emancipation celebrations we encourage persons to be mindful of their alcohol consumption, especially when taking the wheel. This year is no different and with such groups as TRW helping to spread the message we hope that persons enjoying the festivities will be overly cautious in their actions.

Officer Nathan Mclean also added there’s a higher rate of road traffic accidents around the festival season and urged road users to be responsible. 

On Saturday July 30, 2016, TRW members were stationed at the stop light at Palm Groove shopping center, in the festival village and along DeCastro Street handing out Road safety flyers, reminding the patrons to put safety first then fun after.