There have been 10 pedestrian deaths in the last six weeks. This is according to the Traffic & Highway Patrol Branch, Roadway Surveillance Unit (RSU). It accounts for 59 per cent of this year’s road traffic deaths.
Police Road Traffic Safety Coordinator, Sgt Brent Batson, noted that what was most concerning was that 50% of the road traffic deaths involving pedestrians occurred along main roads. These roads have 50 kmph speed limits which are speeds that are generally associated with non-fatal injuries where pedestrian-involved road traffic accidents are concerned.
The data suggests drivers have migrated their speeding habits to main roads without care or consideration for other road users.
As such, the T&T Police Service (TTPS) is cautioning drivers and pedestrians in particular, to exercise greater caution and alertness on the roadways across the nation.
Highway patrol officers have issued over 4,800 traffic tickets to errant motorists for the year of which thirty-six per cent (36%) being issued for exceeding roadway speed limits.
Senior Superintendent of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, David Powder expressed disappointment with the road traffic death figures, saying, "We all have our roles to play in keeping the roads safe, drivers and other road users need to understand how risk-taking can quickly lead to unplanned outcomes including injuries and death on the roads."
These two road traffic accidents bring the road death count for 2024 to 17 compared to 18 for the same period last year representing a five percent (5%) decrease.