BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A stern warning has been given by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s Traffic Department to motorists to desist from speeding.
The warning was issued following Friday night’s (Oct. 8) accident which claimed the lives of four young men from Sandy Point.
According to information gathered by this media house, the four young men, 23-year-old Damian Harris, 32-year-old Dexter James, 22-year-old Lasinto Bradshaw and 23-year-old Maurice Rawlins, were travelling from Basseterre to Sandy Point via Old Road in motorcar P297 - owned and driven by Rawlins - when the accident occurred.
Rawlins reportedly lost control of the vehicle while in the vicinity of the Sandy Point Gas Station and eventually slammed into a flamboyant tree, which forms part of J’s Place’s fence, before travelling a further distance and coming to a stop.
All were flung from the vehicle during the incident except Rawlins, who had to be removed from the wreckage by members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department. They were all pronounced dead on the scene.
Acting Head of the Traffic Department Sergeant Calvin Amory told SKNVibes that the Department has reason to suspect that speeding was a major contributor not only to the occurrence but also to its degree of seriousness.
He explained that according to their investigations, the tyre impressions left on the road extend for more than 100 feet from the portion of road which sits at the front of the gas station to the point of impact.
He described the incident as “extremely tragic” and made a special appeal to all motorists to observe the speed limit at all times.
“I am appealing to all motorists to comply with the speed limit. The law says that speed limit is 40 miles per hour in non-built-up areas and, in built-up areas, the speed limit to be observed is 20 miles per hour. We are expecting every person to comply.”
He explained that the Department understands that some motorists are of the view that the speed limits are “too low” and “unrealistic”. He reminded, however, that the law is the law and whether or not one disagrees with it, it must be obeyed.
“It is always better to follow the law rather than endanger yourself and others. Drive responsibly, drive cautiously and drive with care. The life you save just might be your very own,” Amory admonished.
