Road crashes continue to be an ongoing issue that negatively impacts Barbadians, especially the youth. UNICEF reported in 2021 that of the 483 road fatalities that were recorded, 69% came from the most vulnerable groups of road users: pedestrians, motorcyclists and children. Of the road fatalities in 2021, 25 were children (0-17 years).

These findings demonstrate that parents, guardians and caregivers should ensure that they take the necessary precautions. Here are 10 precautions that you must follow when you are driving with babies/toddlers/kids.

Have the right car seat 

Ensure your baby is in a rear-facing car seat until they are one year old. It will support their head, neck and spine. Be proactive by purchasing the car seat before the child arrives so that you can be ready for their first day. It is proven that car seats prevent death and serious injury involved in accidents. A Swedish study found that rear-facing child seats reduced the likelihood by ninety per cent compared to those without a car seat.

Secure loose objects or toys

Secure your child’s toys so that they don’t become loose and create a commotion when your baby can’t reach them. Fastening their favourite toys can also help teach them at an early age the relevance of wearing a seatbelt whenever you’re in a car. Also, when objects are restrained it reduces the chance of it injuring passengers during an accident.

Front seats are for adults

Children should never be allowed to sit in the front car seat unless they are tall enough for the seatbelt to accommodate them. Although it may be convenient to tend to them by wiping their noses or giving them your attention, you may be distracted.

Have a “barf” bag just in case

Place a plastic bag in the vehicle if it’s their first time. Being car sick is a problem that you must be prepared for as a parent. The sick bag should be within your reach and make sure to only give it to them if they absolutely need it.

Ensure that you have steady hands and feet

 

As a parent, driving smoothly is important. Handle the steering wheel, throttle, and brake pedals with care. Avoid jerking the wheel or stomping the pedal and look ahead for any hazards that you can anticipate.

 

Take regular breaks during long trips

Taking breaks regularly while driving with your children, and allowing them to use the restroom at various stops will help them to calm down. Children will tend to distract you when they are hungry or bored.

Keep your children occupied during the journey

Children can be restless during their journey if they do not have anything to do in the vehicle. It is important to keep their mind occupied by engaging them in a conversation. You may ask them about their studies, their friends or how their day went. Additionally, you speak to them about the importance of safe driving by giving examples while driving to your destination.

Activate child’s lock

Activating child’s lock is a crucial step in keeping your children safe during their commute. A child’s lock prevents the door from accidentally opening while the vehicle is moving. No one can enter a vehicle if the lock is activated. Hence, if a child attempts to open the door from the inside when they are seated in the rear seat and the child’s lock is activated, the door cannot be opened. While the lock is initiated, the door can only be activated from the outside. When you have stopped at your destination, you do this by disengaging the lock, which will ensure that everything goes back to normal.

Bring a friend

It is good to have support when dealing with children. One adult will be behind the wheel and another will be at the back taking care of the kids. When this is done, it will help you to focus on the road and keep your child in check in the back seat.

Be an example

Lastly, drive carefully. Communicate with your children and tell them about the joys of driving and how to do so safely. You may also want to familiarize them on what a car is so that they won’t be scared to drive in it.  Create a good image in their heads about driving so that they are excited to drive with you. This will help to form good driving practices in the future.

For more driving safety tips, visit our blog at genac.com

In the dynamic landscape of Barbados, where construction and development are thriving, the importance of protecting your investments cannot be overstated. One crucial aspect that often goes overlooked is engineering insurance. This blog post will shed light on what engineering insurance is and why it is essential for anyone involved in construction or engineering projects in Barbados.

 

What is Engineering Insurance?

Engineering insurance, also known as construction insurance, is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect against the risks and uncertainties inherent in construction and engineering projects. These projects can range from small-scale residential constructions to large-scale infrastructure developments.

At General Accident, engineering insurance will protect your ongoing construction project, plant, machinery or electronic equipment against loss or damage with this comprehensive insurance product.

 

Types of Engineering Insurance

 

Equipment All Risks

This policy covers direct physical loss of or damage to property including incorrect operation, negligent or malicious acts of employees or third parties, burglary, theft, robbery, short-circuiting, excessive voltage, induction, fire, lightning and explosion, scorching and charring, smoke, soot, forces of nature such as hurricane, storm, flood, hail, earthquake, any influence of water and moisture and any other accident not specifically excluded.

 

Contractors All Risks

This policy covers all risks of physical loss or damage to the contract works including all materials awaiting use including:

Fire, lightning, hurricane, earthquake, cyclone, tornado, windstorm, volcanic eruption, flood, impact damage, aircraft damage (including things falling therefrom), malicious damage, riot, strike, civil commotion, explosion, bursting of pipes and overflowing of water tanks, subsidence, accidental damage, burglary and theft.

Computer All Risks

General Accident’s Computer All Risks Policy covers all risks of physical loss or damage to electronic data, processing equipment and the like, including;-

Fire, lightning, spontaneous combustion, volcanic eruption, explosion, subterranean fire, earthquake, hurricane, windstorm storm, tempest, cyclone, tornado, hail, flood, riot, strike civil commotion, malicious damage, aircraft damage etc.

 

Why Should You Get Engineering Insurance in Barbados?

 

1. Protection Against Unforeseen Events

Barbados, like other countries in the Caribbean region, is susceptible to natural disasters. Engineering insurance provides a safety net against the damages caused by hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.

 

2. Financial Security

Construction projects involve substantial financial investments. Engineering insurance mitigates financial risks by covering repair costs, replacement expenses, and legal liabilities, offering peace of mind to investors and stakeholders.

 

3. Maintaining Business Reputation

Professionals in the construction industry rely on their reputations. Engineering insurance, safeguards against malicious damage, preserving the credibility of architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.

Engineering insurance is a crucial tool for safeguarding construction and engineering projects in Barbados. Whether you’re a property owner, contractor, or professional in the industry, investing in the right engineering insurance is a proactive step towards protecting your assets and ensuring the successful completion of projects despite unforeseen challenges. As the construction landscape continues to evolve in Barbados, embracing engineering insurance is not just a choice but a strategic necessity.

 For more information on all things motor insurance, browse our blog.

As of July 1, 2018, The Ministry of Transport, Works, and Water Resources in Barbados abolished the traditional road tax for private vehicles and replaced it with a fuel tax. This significant change in the way Barbadians contribute to road maintenance has been aimed at making the system fairer for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore how the fuel tax works, provide essential tips for licensing and registering your vehicle, and encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding motor vehicle taxation in Barbados.

 

How Fuel Tax Works

The decision to replace the road tax with a fuel tax was a fundamental shift in how road maintenance and repair costs are funded. The underlying idea behind this change was simple: the more a person drives, the more tax they should pay to support the upkeep of the roads they use.

Before the road tax was abolished, drivers who drove infrequently, sometimes as little as once a day or even less, were stuck paying hundreds of dollars annually, even though they were not using the roads that often. The updated fuel tax ensures that those who drive the most are also contributing the most to road maintenance and repair costs.

This change is not only a more equitable approach but also encourages responsible fuel consumption and eco-friendliness as it ties road tax directly to fuel usage.

 

Tips For Licensing and Registering Your Vehicle

Buying a car is a significant step, but before you invest in a vehicle, make sure that it will be properly insured and registered. Here are some important things you need to know when it comes to licensing and registering your vehicle in Barbados:

Age Requirements for New Vehicles: For new vehicles, the owner or applicant must be at least 17 years old.

 

Required Documents for Registration:

• Weight certificate
• Letter of sale
• Insurance Cover Note or Certificate
• Completed registration form ( available from the payment section at all BRA locations)
• Fuel tank should be full when taking your vehicle to get weighed.

 

Required Documents for Agents:

• A Pro Forma Invoice (issued by the seller)
• Completed Motor Vehicle Tax Form (issued by the motor car firm)
• Completed Registration Form No. 6
• Cover Note or Certificate of Insurance
• Payment of weighbridge fee:
  • Vehicle is weighed and inspected.
• Registration is approved once it complies with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Chapter 48:50 and Motor Vehicle Insurance Third Party Risk Chapter 48:51.
• A registration number will be issued once the Motor Vehicle Tax and associated fees are paid.
• Associated fees:
  • Registration Fee – $100.00
  • Motor Vehicle Tax is calculated – To be paid before registration
  • Weighbridge Fee – $20.00

 

 Required Documents for Foreign Used Vehicles:

• Customs and Excise Division Official Receipt
• C82 Form
• Assessment Notice
• Record of Payment of Motor Vehicle Tax
• Bill of Lading (BL)
• Commercial Invoice
• CARICOM Invoice
• Cancellation Certificate
• English Translation
• Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards Inspection Certificate
• Ministry of Trade and Industry Trade Import Licence
• Completed Registration Form
• Driver’s Permit
• Identification Card or Passport (Accompanied by Utility bill as Proof of Address)
• Valid Vehicle Insurance
• Fee – $120.00

For detailed information and forms, you can visit the Barbados Revenue Authority.

 

Stay Up-To-Date

As Barbados continues to evolve its road tax system, staying informed and following the necessary steps for registration and licensing will help you enjoy a smooth and hassle-free motoring experience.

For the latest information and tips about motor vehicle insurance in Barbados and any associated legislation, browse our past blogs or visit the Barbados Revenue Authority.