ST. JOHN'S, Antigua — Men continue to account for the majority of road traffic collision injuries in Antigua and Barbuda, Government Senator Shaquan O'Neill stated Monday, urging motorists to drive more responsibly. According to Antigua News Room, O'Neill made the remarks during Senate debate on the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026.
Addressing the Senate, O'Neill cited statistics from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda's Traffic Department Statistics Unit. Of the 337 people injured in traffic collisions in 2023, 206 were men. In 2024, that figure rose to 239 of 417 injured — also male. O'Neill argued the trend was one lawmakers could not afford to ignore.
"Listen to this important part, Madam President, because I'm getting to it," O'Neill said before presenting the figures, contending that road safety remains a pressing national concern.
The senator further noted that Antigua and Barbuda recorded 2,448 traffic collisions and 10 fatalities in 2023. The following year saw 2,610 collisions and five deaths. In 2025, reported collisions climbed to 2,749, resulting in nine fatalities.
While acknowledging that the Fatal Accidents Bill covers all forms of wrongful death — including workplace accidents and medical negligence — O'Neill said road crashes remain among the country's most visible causes of fatal accidents.
"We cannot simply overlook… that this is the leading cause of fatal accidents," he said.
O'Neill also recounted personally responding to the scene of a hit-and-run after a colleague called to report witnessing a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.
"I took it upon myself, Madam President, to not only call the emergency services, but to also race to the scene," he said. "I could not believe… that someone could be so wicked. To not only hit someone, but to also drive away."
He said such experiences underscore the need for stronger road safety awareness and legislation that supports families whose loved ones die as a result of another person's negligence.
The Senate subsequently approved the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, replacing the country's 1924 Fatal Accidents Act with a modern legal framework for compensation in wrongful death cases.
