What’s Trending: Death on the highway

The Nation’s Online Editor Sherrylyn Toppin looks at What’s Trending today in Barbados.
The tragic circumstances under which Ministry of Transport and Works worker Carlene Stuart lost her life on the Ronald Mapp Highway yesterday were a major concern for online readers.
Stuart, 65, was weeding along the Blowers, St James section of the highway with others from the Drainage Unit when she was struck and killed. Two cars were involved in an accident and it was unclear if Stuart was struck by one or both vehicles.
Police launched a manhunt for the two men who were travelling in one car, but fled the scene after the accident.
Meanwhile, Minister Michael Lashley said more stringent safety measures would have to be put in place to protect employees.
While expressing sympathy, many online readers said such safety measures were long overdue and drivers also needed to show more care and consideration for other road users.
Here are some of their views.
Victor R. Boucher: Take your time, respect the roads and all other road users. Give yourself enough time to get wherever you are going by leaving home or wherever you are leaving from at a reasonable time.
Raschell Brathwaite: Barbados [is] too reactive! Someone always has [to die] for change to occur. Ever since better safety measures were needed for these workers.
Brian Hurley: It was only a matter of time before someone who was working on the highway got killed. This time it was a worker, but what about all the highway vendors selling coconuts, ackees, newspapers etc. I am not opposed to people trying to earn a dollar but it should not be allowed on a major high speed highway. It is a hazard to them and to the drivers who use these highways. I cannot understand why the authorities turn a blind eye to this.
Camille Hoyte: This is so very sad. That lady got up and went to work like anyone else. Drivers in Barbados are very selfish and reckless some seem to forget that other people use the roads as well.
Dee Haynes: R.I.P. Why does it always have to wait for a death to get action for better working conditions?
Susan Renee: Why does someone have to die to make a change? Barbados needs to become more proactive