Daine Blaze advises caution on the roads
Drawing on his own personal experience, dancehall entertainer Daine Blaze is advising caution for all road users during the holiday season.
“I’m a victim of a road accident that almost cost me my leg and my life. In 2018, I was driving a motorcycle along with a friend. The friend’s bike hit my front wheel and I crashed into a light post. Thank God I was wearing a helmet and that saved my face and head from serious injuries; however, my foot was severely damaged,” he said.
Daine Blaze said that he broke his foot in four places, shattered his knee, and ruptured his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
“Basically, I couldn’t walk, and people write me off, and said I would not walk again,” he said. “However, I went for a session at a physiotherapist and she gave me guidelines, necessary for me to able to walk again. After that I did my own physical therapy and taught myself to walk again.”
He said that the incident taught him a vital lesson, that he must be more vigilant on the road, and that each individual is in charge of their own safety.
WEAR YOUR SAFETY
GEAR
“For motorcyclists, you must wear your safety gear. Never leave home without them; they can save your life,” he said. He also lashed out at drivers of motor cars, buses and trucks.
“They must know that motorcyclists are human beings and we must be treated with respect and courtesy on the roads. They see us (bikers) as a nuisance at times, but they use us at their convenience as bearers to transport goods and services. They must know we have families to feed, that’s why we are on the roads most times,” he said. “Drivers must stop speeding and adhere to road safety guidelines as they are endangering their lives and the lives of other people.”
Road deaths have topped the 400 mark, the highest since the National Road Safety Council was formed in 1993.
But Daine Blaze has bounced back from his misfortune in fine style. After his near career-ending accident, where he couldn’t move without the help of a wheelchair, he recently performed on two stage shows.
First he graced the stage at Ghetto Splash at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium, and then the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s tree-lighting ceremony at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston.
He admitted that recovery wasn’t an easy road, but he was determined to walk again.
“Looking back, it’s such a joy for me to actually be on stage performing for my fans. It’s just a great feeling, it’s a miracle,” he said.
Occasionally he rides his bike, but after a close friend died in an accident in Barbican, St Andrew, earlier this month, he has considered parking it for good.
“My accident has taught me many things, never to take life for granted, and don’t waste any time (on anything) if it’s not benefiting my career personally,” he said.
Currently, Daine Blaze is optimistic about 2020. “I am happy where my career is now … I will move from strength to strength. I have a new recording studio, Citi Kyngs, and we are open for business in Waltham Park,” he said.
He is also promoting songs such as Dreams to Reality and Infatuation.