Living dangerously

The weeks leading up to the Carnival continue to pose a significant challenge to insurance companies and it would be true to say that the situation is growing worse rather that getting better as new issues confront it from year to year.

There is no Carnival like our Carnival although there are a number of such festivities in other parts of the world but in the final analysis they simply do not compare. Therein lies the problem since we have to learn to cope with our own set of circumstances and are unable to draw on the experiences of other places. Take for example the number of pre-Carnival fetes and events that are promoted. They all have their own particular attractions some catering for the youth, others for a more mature age group while some others in the hope of merely getting a sufficiently large turnout to cover expenses and make a profit.
Many of these events are seen as business ventures and in a virtually unregulated environment insufficient attention is paid to the safety of patrons.

However, owners of venues are quite aware of the responsibility that they carry and the duty to ensure that nothing untoward occurs and so they would usually insist on the promoters buying insurance cover.
These events as we all know are certainly not tea parties or cocktail parties. In fact they are no such events but rather opportunities to unwind and have a good time. While it can be argued that such fetes and events are no different today that they were 10 or 20 years ago, it is clear that the environment has changed and in many ways for the worse. For one thing, overcrowding is a major problem for some events while the absence of adequate and trained security probably remains the source of greatest concern. These events are not cheap to attend and patrons are certainly more aware of their rights and are therefore quick to seek redress and compensation where they believe that the promoters have not paid sufficient attention to their well-being resulting in their injury, distress or trauma. This is the prevailing climate for the insurance industry.

On the one hand, insurance companies are being approached to provide public liability insurance cover for these events but this business is considered quite unattractive with many leading companies simply refusing to give cover. Wherever coverage is granted, the stipulations are quite onerous and in some cases the promoters have no intention of complying. It may have a piece of paper stating that insurance is in place but it is quite another matter if the insurance company takes a position that it would invoke the policy conditions and deny claims which it is entitled to do and in effect no cover ever existed because the promoters did not comply with the policy conditions.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to attitude and our culture. As a people we pay too little attention to safety and we take too many risks and pray that nothing will happen. That attitude must change because that is unacceptable behaviour and we must take responsibility for our actions or inactions.  Carnival might well be a period when madness reigns but even in the madness there must be accountability and fete promoters owe a duty to patrons for a safe and secure venue where no harm will come to them and that they have taken all such precautions that a reasonable person would take in the circumstances. Road accidents at Christmas and Carnival to a greater extent show a marked increase when compared to the rest of the year.
The situation at Carnival is even worse as the season is usually longer and the excessive consumption of alcohol and tiredness probably contribute to the increase in road accidents. Carnival events usually end in the early hours of the morning and otherwise responsible persons seem to lose their sense of sobriety and judgment and become intoxicated but would still drive to their destination. In most countries and in Canada in particular, the police are most visible and active at such holiday periods and motorists are very careful and this is where the designated driver has a role to play.
 
In Trinidad and Tobago, we believe that we are better able to “hold” our drink and that we are better drivers even under the influence of alcohol but the reality is that we must now deal with “drunk” driving seriously. Safety is not embedded in the national psyche and we act too recklessly. The Carnival season is clearly a time when we demonstrate such recklessness in the guise that we are enjoying ourselves and having a good time and it an excuse for a release of the safety valve and let the steam out. There is nothing wrong with enjoying oneself. What is wrong is when it is excessive and leads to the endangerment of others and driving when drunk is unacceptable.

The carnage on the nation’s roads is cause for worry. Too many accidents are clearly as a result of recklessness and can no longer be deemed as “accidental”. Accidents can be avoided by taking care.
The time has come for action and less talk and the authorities must show the way. The situation must not be allowed to continue and it is in this regard that tough laws must be introduced and discipline on the nation’s roads be restored even if draconian measures are taken. Premiums will rise to reflect the claims experience and the only way to arrest the situation is by a reduction in the number and severity of accidents. Enjoy the Carnival. Be safe on the nation’s roads and highways. Let us show restraint and exercise moderation and if you drink, then don’t drive. Don’t add to the road statistics.

E-mail address: daquing@cablenett.net