‘Slow down even if it means giving up the right of way’ – Sgt Brent Batson
THE deaths of four persons on Sunday in two separate vehicular accidents have brought to road fatally figure death to 48 for this year.
This is an increase from last year’s figure of 44 for the same period, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated in a release on Sunday evening.
The TTPS is urging the driving population to remain alert and safe to reduce the risk of harm and injury, especially as they traverse the wet roads.
According to police reports, around 4 am, a black Toyota Rav 4, with five occupants, which was proceeding east along the Priority Bus Route (PBR) in the vicinity of the Arouca Police Station, collided with a silver Nissan B-15, with four occupants, which was proceeding west on the PBR.
The occupants of the B-15, a 33-year-old and 22-year-old, both from Kelly Village, Caroni, died, while the driver, 30, also from Kelly Village succumbed to his injuries later in the afternoon.
In the other incident, around 8.30 am, a grey Toyota Hilux was proceeding north along the Southern Main Road, McBean, Couva with three occupants when the driver collided with a parked Nissan truck.
A 30-year-old of McBean, Couva died at the scene of the accident, while the other occupants received injuries and were taken to the Couva hospital.
The TTPS extended condolences to the families and friends.
TTPS Road Safety Coordinator Sgt Brent Batson said, “What is truly saddening is the preventable nature of these incidents, if persons would exercise greater caution, common sense and courtesy when operating motor vehicles. Drivers should be alert for others who may be taking unnecessary chances and where necessary, slow down even if it means giving up the right of way.
He said, “Our enforcement efforts are aimed at reducing risk-taking and encouraging safer road use, through compliance with road traffic laws, such as obeying speed limits and traffic lights, as well as the wearing of seatbelts and countering alcohol-impaired driving.”
The TTPS has also noted the increase of road traffic accidents with the advent of the rainy season and reminded drivers to ensure their vehicles were in safe working order with tyres and windscreen wipers in good condition.
Persons are also being urged to stay updated on the prevailing weather conditions with official information from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management.
