The Antigua and Barbuda government is renewing its call for tighter road safety measures after a rise in fatal collisions this year, with Cabinet officials warning that late-night crashes and reckless driving continue to put lives at risk.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet remains “deeply concerned” following eight road deaths recorded for 2025 so far, alongside police data showing more than 1,300 collisions between June 2024 and June 2025.
He said the trend underscores that “road safety will remain a top priority” for the government.
Merchant said the Royal Police Force has made an urgent request for additional radar guns, noting that several units are currently inoperable and limiting officers’ ability to curb speeding in high-risk zones. Police have also increased visibility at night, carrying out traffic stops aimed at slowing motorists and warning drivers about unsafe habits.
The communication chief said late-night crashes are a growing concern and confirmed that targeted nighttime interventions—including DUI operations and speed enforcement—are under active consideration. “They were just impressing on persons to be cautious on the streets to slow down,” Merchant said of recent traffic stops.
He added that the public education campaign on road safety will be “upscaled,” with the Commissioner of Police preparing to work with ABS Television and other media outlets to mount new awareness initiatives. The effort, he said, must include community involvement, noting that many residents know habitual speeders within their own neighborhoods.
Merchant also referenced Acting Prime Minister Sir Stedroy “Cutie” Benjamin’s appeal earlier this week for church leaders to urge their congregations to reduce speeding, calling it part of a broader national push to curb fatalities.
Cabinet officials reiterated that every loss of life “is a tragedy that ripples through families and communities” and urged motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to approach the roads with greater vigilance, particularly at night and in areas prone to stray animals or sudden hazards.
