The Tribune

By Morgan Adderley

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

TWO pedestrians were killed in less than 24 hours after being struck by vehicles in two separate incidents, including a hit and run.

They have become the fourth and fifth traffic fatalities over the past five days. There have been 15 traffic fatalities so far this year, while there were only eight recorded this time in 2017, representing an increase of 87.5 percent.

Assistant Commissioner of Operational Support Kendall Strachan called these figures “an alarming amount” in a press conference held at RBPF Headquarters yesterday.

He added there has been in an “uptick” in pedestrian-related traffic accidents and hit and runs.  

In the wake of these tragedies, police are appealing to the public to exercise good road safety habits. 

The first incident occurred on Tuesday when a man was hit by a car.

ACP Strachan said: “Around 7.30pm, police…responded to an accident on Cowpen Road West, where the body of a black male was found lying in the streets.”

“I’m able to say to you that prior to this incident, police were alerted of an individual who seemed to be wandering in the area.

“Consequently, the officers, having gotten to the area by that time, discovered that an accident had occurred. That individual who was transported from that location by EMS (unfortunately) lost his life at the (hospital).”

According to police, the driver in this matter stayed on scene and is assisting police with their investigation.

ACP Strachan described the second incident as a “hit and run” that occurred early yesterday morning.

 “Just after (4am)…an adult female was doing her morning jog along West Bay Street (in the area of Bayrock), travelling in a western direction, when she was struck by a white vehicle,” he said.

“Reported to be an SD type (rental) vehicle traveling east. The driver, having struck the pedestrian, left the scene, leaving her dead in the streets.”

ACP Strachan continued: “A resident, a doctor in the area, having heard the impact, responded. He rendered as much medical aid as he was able to at that time. Unfortunately she did not survive that ordeal.

“I’m able to say that since the accident occurred this morning… police have been able to locate and identify (the vehicle) which we were looking for since the incident. However, the driver has not yet been located.”

ACP Strachan pleaded with the public to share any information regarding the incident, and asked the driver to turn himself in.

“A family is grieving, grieving because of the loss of their loved one. A lady who...was struck and left fatally in the streets, no better than that of an animal who was left to die.”

ACP Strachan added that another serious accident occurred early yesterday morning. 

“Officers from our fire services were at Gladstone Road, (extricated) an adult female from a vehicle which had crashed into the utility pole along Gladstone Road.

“Currently that female is still in critical condition at the Princess Margaret Hospital.”

ACP Strachan also warned of a particular hotspot for accidents.

He said: “On the Tonique Williams Highway, where we have seen any number of traffic fatalities occurring between that area of AF Adderley at the roundabout of Baillou Road and CW Sawyer, we have been met with a number of fatal accidents which occurred in that area.

“We have collaborated with our stakeholders from the Ministry of Works and (Bahamas Power and Light) to try to improve the lighting in that area.

“We note, however, that at least five of those fatalities, having occurred late in the evening, (are) occurring in one particular area. And that is right at the (Yellow Elder) park, where persons (are) seeking to cross that very busy thoroughfare.”

ACP Strachan questioned whether stricter penalties would prevent more tragedies. He said: “I can also share with you cases of individuals who have walked out of court, having paid very strict penalties, and we see them the next week.”

He advised the public to exercise caution on roads.

“We are appealing to every one of you, drivers and pedestrians, to pay attention. And while we are also appealing, we constantly remind you of the importance of ensuring that you, firstly, and secondly the vehicle that you are driving, (are) appropriate for the streets.”

He called for drivers to hold valid licences and all vehicles to be properly licenced, registered, and insured.

He advised pedestrians to wear bright clothing, stay on the sidewalk, and exercise in well-lit areas. 

There have been 1,289 reports of traffic accidents thus far for the year, only 16 more than was recorded during the same period of last year.

There have been 178 hit and runs for the year, an increase of 14 in comparison with the same period last year.  

According to the RBPF crime statistics, released earlier this year, 54 people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2017. 

In the first two months of 2017, there were only eight traffic related deaths— five in January 2017 and three in February.