The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

LESS than 36 hours after Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin appealed to motorists to “be careful” during the holiday weekend, a man was hit by a truck and killed while riding his bicycle.

According to reports, a man was driving his Isuzu truck east on Wulff Road in the area of Collins Avenue, when he was involved in an accident with a man riding a bicycle in the area around 2am yesterday. The victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but died a short time after his arrival.

The driver is assisting police with their investigations.

On Saturday, Mrs Hanna Martin urged all Bahamians to use the road carefully.

“Last weekend three persons were killed in horrific traffic accidents,” she said. “I wish to remind and caution all Bahamians to use the roads carefully. Please do not drink and drive. If you have been drinking alcohol, please assign a designated driver who is sober and competent,” she said.

“Please do not speed. Our roads are wet and dangerous. Please drive defensively, understanding that a third party can put your life at risk. Parents admonish your children before they leave your homes to drive carefully and to wear their seat belts. Let us commit to ensuring this weekend is not marred by bloody traffic accidents and that we as a people can enjoy a safe and peaceful Emancipation Day holiday weekend.”

There have been more than 20 traffic fatalities so far this year. The Bahamas recorded 51 traffic fatalities last year, 44 in 2012 and 44 in 2011.

A little over a week ago, police reported that three people died in separate traffic accidents over the course of two days.

A man crossing the road to get to his car was hit and killed by a RAV 4 heading south on Market Street around 8.30pm on July 27. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, outside Quackoo Street Police Station.

Earlier that day, police reported that a man and woman in a white Honda Civic crashed into a utility pole while heading south on Bethel Avenue north. Police said the woman driver lost control of the car and after hitting the pole, the car careened a few feet along a cliff before coming to a stop.

The male passenger, identified by friends on Facebook as Andre Wallace, died at the scene. The woman was taken to hospital.

A pedestrian was killed in Eleuthera just after 5am on July 26. Police said a man was driving his white Nissan taxi east on the Airport Road in North Eleuthera when he was involved in an accident with a man who was walking. The pedestrian died at the scene.