By Sue-Ann Wayow
NINETY people have died in a vehicular road accident for 2022.
According to records form the Roadway Surveillance Unit of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, the last time the country recorded a similar road death figure was in 1956.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in a media release on Thursday urged road users to be exercise care and caution.
Over the last 48 hours, two more people lost their lives in accidents.
On Tuesday morning, driver Andy Alleyne sustained fatal injuries when he lost control of his Jaguar and crashed into the traffic light pole at the University of the West Indies Intersection along the eastbound carriageway of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.
Then, just after 6.30 pm, on Wednesday evening, a pedestrian was struck dead by a motorist while attempting to cross the eastbound carriageway of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway from north to south.
The police are still seeking the public’s assistance to identify the person.
Last year for the same period, there were 74 road traffic accident deaths, a 22% increase.
The TTPS stated, “Of particular concern for 2022 is the fact that pedestrians account for the largest category of road users being killed on the roadways with 35 of the road traffic deaths compared to 29 in 2021, a 20% increase.”
Acting Commissioner of Police, Erla Christopher, is reminding motorists that there will be a heightened presence of law enforcement during the long weekend with road policing and anti-crime exercises.
Motorists are reminded to ensure they have their valid driving documents ready for inspection by police officers.
Drivers are warned that breathalyser and speed enforcement exercises will be in full effect on both highways and main roads in keeping with the agency’s efforts to help save lives and keep families together.
