Casson Hill accidents raising concern

The head of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Traffic Department is expressing concern about the number of motor vehicular accidents which take place in the vicinity of the Sion Hill Intersection and the entrance to the ET Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale.{{more}}

As a matter of fact, Inspector Kenneth John is seeking to have culprits found guilty of traffic infractions, who cause damage to the retaining wall and rail in the area, pay to repair the infrastructure.

“If the driver is convicted of the charges laid by traffic police, the road division can sue for damage to government property,” John said.

The rail and wall tell a tale of numerous occasions on which it had been damaged by vehicles crashing into it over the years.

According to the Inspector, in recent times, five accidents were reported in the area, in which vehicles had crashed through the rail and landed below, where houses are located.

Ironically, the most recent incident involved traffic police officer Larry Adams, who, it is believed, lost control of his vehicle PL 406 while travelling out of Kingstown on Saturday, September 12th, at about 11:30pm.

A crowd gathered the following day as the vehicle was being lifted from its resting place.

Investigations into the incident are being carried out.

John noted that since the road was resurfaced just over a year ago, the number of accidents there had increased.

He said that the problem, however, does not lie with the smooth surface, but rather with the drivers.

‘It is usually a case of bad human judgment; either driving too fast or without due care and attention.”

John is urging drivers to take heed and drive with attention and within the speed limit.

The speed limit for vehicles travelling outside of Kingstown is 30 miles per hour.

Vehicles are known to be travelling at a faster rate most of the time, especially in that area.

“The drivers need to pay attention to the road,” he advised.

“Scan the environment by looking in your rearview and side mirrors. Exercise caution, especially on wet roads.”

“I am calling on all drivers to be cooperative. This is to the benefit of all to make the road safe for other road users.

Meanwhile, residents living directly below the battered wall expressed their fear of a tragedy occurring in the future and said that it is only a matter of time before one of the vehicles slams into a house.

A female resident recounted one occasion on which a jeep was prevented from crashing into a vehicle by a plumrose tree.

So far, there have been no reported deaths in the area because of an accident.(JJ)