The Death of a Child: A Parent’s Greatest Fear

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]arents generally expect their children to outlive them. For this reason, they usually put the needs of their children ahead of their own in an effort to establish a good foundation that would contribute to their success in life. Therefore, few incidents can be as painful to parents as the death of a child; and in cases where it seems like the death could have been avoided, the pain is accompanied by great anger and disappointment. Of late, many parents in Saint Lucia have had to deal with the loss of their young children as a result of vehicular accidents. These accidents have claimed the lives of children from poor and affluent families alike. How can the frequency of these incidents be reduced to save parents from this excruciating pain?

It may sound a bit childish, but why do we have vehicles that exceed the maximum speed limit of the country, by more than twice in some instances? As research has shown, young people generally act on impulse and emotions. Hence, if the speed limit of the vehicle is one hundred and forty miles per hour, they may be tempted to reach the threshold, ignoring the strong possibility that they may not be able to maintain control at such high speeds. As silly as it sounds, if the situation worsens, there may be reason to consider the importation of vehicles to accommodate the local speed limits or the installation of devices that could monitor and regulate the speed of vehicles driven by young and inexperienced drivers. However, at the moment, a more practical approach would be to ensure that young drivers are accompanied by a responsible adult. Parents should be wary when a group of teenagers is out driving with no adult supervision, as it is very unlikely that they would dissuade each other from the careless behaviours that could result in these deadly accidents.

There is no question that teenage drinking is a major concern on the island, which has been highlighted by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat. If one is observant, you could observe teenagers purchasing and consuming alcohol, possibly to “free-up” their minds at the end of the school or work week, to affirm their manhood, or to overcome the inhibitions that would prevent them from engaging in questionable behaviour. When teenagers under the influence of alcohol and other mind-altering substances have access to vehicles, the outcome is almost predictable: over-speeding and loss of control.   

Parents need to be aware that most movies and video games that feature fast and dangerous driving are geared to attract young people. And some teenagers are bold enough to try some of these stunts while driving on public roadways. The frequent deaths they observed on the screen due to such fast and dangerous driving and the usual disclaimer — “Do not try this at home” — seem to do little to prevent teenagers from attempting these stunts. Parents who are in a position to influence their children’s entertainment should assist them to choose wisely, as their choice can have real-life consequences.

The local authorities have indicated the possibility of increased police patrol and check points. However, these should not take place only at peak traffic periods when traffic is almost at a halt but also during periods when the roads are relatively empty and the
temptation for speeding and engagement in other unlawful behaviour is heightened. The proper placement of traffic signs and other related billboards could provide timely reminders to motorists that could avert some accidents. One cannot help but notice and ponder on the advertisement/warning on the road to Soufriere which was sponsored by a local funeral home; it reads: “We Have Your Size, Don’t Drink and Drive.”

The need to train children from an early age to be responsible is of utmost importance. Hopefully, they will remember and apply the guidance from loving parents. Children must also develop deep love and appreciation for their parents, strong enough to avoid actions that will bring their parents unnecessary and lasting suffering and pain.