THE EDITOR, Sir:DURING the recent flood rains work obligations resulted in my taking a trip to Montego Bay on Friday, May 24, 2002.
My trip would have taken me through the Bog Walk gorge and over the Flat Bridge, but fortunately I heard news reports that the Bridge was impassable and motorists were to use the alternate routes through Barry or Sligoville.
I opted for the Barry route but came in for some big surprises.
The road conditions through Barry were almost as impassable as the gorge. Large pools of standing water left some cars stalled along the route. I was able to make it through because of the height of my vehicle.
I wish to recommend that the authorities examine more closely the condition of alternate routes before advising of their use by motorists.
In this particular example, only the Sligoville route should have been recommended. Motorists like myself do appreciate the advance warnings but had I been in a car on the above day I probably would have stalled if I attempted to negotiate the deep waters on the Barry route.
Let's improve what we are communicating during times of emergencies.
I am, etc.,
NOEL BLACKWOOD
Director
Jamaica Automobile Association
