Youngest Senator Pushes Dash Cams to Tackle Reckless Driving

Senator Shaquan O’Neil is calling for the widespread use of dashboard cameras, arguing the technology could help police identify and prosecute reckless drivers while improving road safety across Antigua and Barbuda.

Making his maiden contribution during Monday’s Senate debate on the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, O’Neil said dash cams would provide valuable evidence against dangerous motorists, including those seen speeding and overtaking multiple vehicles on roads such as Airport Road, All Saints Road and Factory Road.

“Once you have dash cams in your vehicles, you’re basically helping the police to crack down on individuals speeding on the road,” he told the Upper House.

The country’s youngest-ever senator said the technology should be paired with stronger road safety education, particularly for young and male drivers.

Citing figures from the Royal Police Force’s Traffic Department, O’Neil said road collisions increased from 2,448 in 2023 to 2,610 in 2024 and 2,749 in 2025. He said the number of injured male drivers has remained consistently high.

“We’re losing our men,” he said, urging male motorists to slow down and adopt safer driving habits.

O’Neil also linked reckless driving to rising insurance costs, noting that insurers across the region paid out $86.6 million in vehicle-related claims in 2024. He argued that responsible drivers ultimately shoulder those costs through higher premiums.

Turning to the Fatal Accidents Bill, O’Neil said while the legislation strengthens compensation for bereaved families, emotional support must also form part of the response.

“It doesn’t matter the total compensation that a family gets,” he said. “A million, two million, ten million, it can’t bring back someone to life.”

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