Leroy Fearon | Darkness on our roads, a national concern

Recently, while travelling from Trelawny to Kingston at night, I was reminded of a troubling reality that many motorists experience daily – the alarming darkness that blankets significant sections of Jamaica's road network.

Despite being very familiar with the route, I still encountered challenges navigating stretches of roadway due to inadequate lighting. It left me wondering how much more difficult and dangerous the journey must be for first-time visitors, elderly drivers, public passenger vehicle operators, emergency responders, and others who depend on our roadways after sunset.

As Jamaica continues to invest heavily in road infrastructure, equal attention must be given to ensuring that these roads are adequately illuminated. One practical and sustainable solution is the wider deployment of solar-powered street lighting systems along major highways, town entrances, intersections, and accident-prone corridors.

Poorly lit roads increase the risk of motor vehicle collisions, particularly at night when drivers have reduced visibility. Solar-powered lighting can improve the visibility of road signs, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and unexpected obstacles, allowing motorists to react more quickly and safely.

Better illumination would also contribute to reducing fatalities and injuries associated with nighttime driving. Many traffic accidents occur during the hours of darkness, and improved lighting can help prevent head-on collisions, lane departures, and pedestrian accidents, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden on emergency services and healthcare facilities.

The financial and environmental benefits are equally compelling. Unlike traditional streetlights that depend on the national electricity grid, solar-powered systems generate their own energy. This significantly reduces operating costs and lessens the long-term financial burden on taxpayers. Furthermore, Jamaica is no stranger to hurricanes, tropical storms, and electrical disruptions. 

Solar-powered lights can continue operating even when sections of the power grid are compromised, ensuring that critical roadways remain visible and safe during emergencies. Their use would also support Jamaica's renewable energy ambitions by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Beyond road safety and energy efficiency, improved roadway lighting can enhance public security. Well-lit roads discourage criminal activity and create a greater sense of safety for motorists and pedestrians. They can also improve surveillance capabilities in areas where security cameras are installed. 

There are tourism benefits as well. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Jamaica's economy, and visitors travelling between airports, resorts, attractions, and towns should be able to do so confidently and safely at night. Well-lit highways and roadways project the image of a modern, organised, and developed nation.

SOLAR A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT

The implementation of solar-powered roadway lighting should not be viewed as an expense but as a strategic investment in public safety, national development, and economic productivity. Priority should be given to major corridors connecting parishes, areas with high accident rates, and communities where pedestrian traffic remains high after sunset.

As a nation, we cannot continue to accept darkness as a normal feature of our road infrastructure. Every motorist deserves the confidence of being able to travel safely, whether driving a familiar route or venturing into a new part of the island.

My recent journey served as a reminder that even experienced drivers can struggle under poor lighting conditions.

The relevant authorities, including the Government, the National Works Agency, municipal corporations, and private-sector partners, should seriously explore a national solar roadway lighting programme. Such an initiative would not only improve visibility but would also save lives, enhance security, support tourism, reduce energy costs, and demonstrate Jamaica's commitment to sustainable development. 

Jamaica has made significant strides in improving its road network. The next step is ensuring that we can clearly see the roads we have worked so hard to build.

- Leroy Fearon Jr, J.P, M.Sc., is a lecturer, multi-disciplinary researcher, author, geography specialist, columnist, Governor General's Achievement Awardee '24 and Governor General I Believe Initiative (IBI) Ambassador '24. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and leroyfearon85@gmail.com. ONLINE ONLY COMMENTARY.