Senior Reporter
otto.carrington@guardian.co.tt
Two accidents moments apart along the eastbound lane of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway (CRH) in San Juan, yesterday caused a major traffic nightmare for motorists.
The accidents left about 15 people injured, though no serious injuries were reported.
The accidents caused an initial gridlock that stretched for nearly half a mile during the peak hour (6.30 am to 7.30 am).
Speaking with Guardian Media afterwards, TTPS Road Safety Coordinator Brent Batson said the accidents were recorded along the eastbound lane within a short period.
According to Batson, the first accident occurred just before peak hour and involved eight vehicles, after a vehicle allegedly lost control and came to a sudden stop, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving several others.
A second accident occurred shortly afterwards and involved four vehicles, Batson said.
“Nobody was seriously injured, thank goodness,” Batson said.
He added that those hurt in the accidents sustained minor to moderate injuries, including lacerations, neck injuries and back injuries.
However, he warned that the incidents once again highlighted poor driving practices, particularly motorists not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them.
Batson stressed the importance of defensive driving, reminding motorists that the best practice is to maintain at least a three-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead.
He also pointed to existing regulations, which recommend one vehicle length for every 15 kilometres per hour of speed.
“Speed and no stopping distance would be a big mistake,” Batson cautioned.
He also appealed to the public—especially motorists travelling during peak hours—to remain alert, reduce speed and pay close attention to following distance, noting that proper spacing can significantly reduce the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.
