Western health officials warn St. James crashes are straining trauma care

Western Regional Health Authority clinical coordinator Dr. Delroy Freckleton is raising fresh concern about the number of serious motor vehicle crashes in St. James, following Monday's fatal three-vehicle collision in Rose Hall.

The crash claimed the life of 22-year-old Bianca Wallace. Several students and both drivers were also hurt. Patients from the incident were treated at Cornwall Regional Hospital and Falmouth Hospital, as health teams responded to the emergency.

Dr. Freckleton said Cornwall Regional Hospital moved quickly once the facility was alerted, activating its trauma procedures so injured persons could receive urgent care. He said two people were admitted at Cornwall Regional, including one who was badly injured. Another 18 patients went to Falmouth Hospital with what he described as mostly minor injuries; most were assessed in the accident and emergency department and later sent home.

According to Dr. Freckleton, motor vehicle crashes account for as much as 90 per cent of the trauma cases seen by medical teams in the region. He said doctors are repeatedly left to manage the severe outcomes of speeding, unsafe overtaking and a lack of caution on the roads.

He argued that the country must look more seriously at driver fitness and road behaviour, including reaction time and visual alertness during the licensing process. Dr. Freckleton also said tougher requirements should be considered for people applying for a driver's licence, especially public passenger vehicle operators.

For drivers involved in dangerous incidents, he suggested that licences be suspended while they undergo documented therapy with a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, before being allowed to return to the road. He noted that the vehicle involved in Monday's crash was carrying many schoolchildren.

The fatal collision has renewed public discussion about road safety and individual responsibility. While investigators continue probing what led to the crash, motorists are again being urged to reduce speed, follow traffic laws and put safety first.