Police warn motorists to be cautious as

Senior reporter

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The number of fatal road fatalities rose to 71 yesterday, following five deaths over the weekend.

An unidentified man became the second road accident victim at 11.55 pm on Saturday, as he and a second man attempted to run across the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near the Maloney traffic lights.

The two, who had been dressed in dark clothing, were reportedly struck by a 44-year-old Tobagonian who was driving a black Honda Vezel.

The unidentified man died at the scene, while the second man was taken to hospital.

In the latest road fatality around noon yesterday, a Carapo man was killed as he and his wife attempted to cross the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near the El Socorro, San Juan intersection.

The victim was identified at the scene as Negus Clauzel, of Circular Road, Peytonville, Carapo.

Reports indicate the two had been standing on the shoulder when Clauzel started across the roadway and realised his wife had not moved. He went back to get her.

It was alleged that as he grabbed her hand and took off, he was struck by a white Hilux heading east.

The impact threw Clauzel’s body several feet closer to the nearby walkover, while his slippers and other belongings were strewn across the roadway.

Minutes after Clauzel’s accident, Road Safety Coordinator for the T&T Police Service (TTPS), Brent Batson, again appealed to persons to “practice safe and responsible road use.”

Extending condolences to the families of the deceased persons, he also reminded drivers that pedestrians form an important part of traffic as well.

Referring to Clauzel’s passing, he said it was sad that this had occurred within 100 feet of the pedestrian walkover.

Batson lamented, “Persons are still taking unnecessary chances even though the Highway Patrol Unit has been out there doing consistent enforcement with regards to speed, as well as driving under the influence.

“Unfortunately, this culture of recklessness, poor decision making and chance-taking seems to be permeating back into the driving culture.”

He promised road safety measures would continue to be sustained, as well as expanded and improved where they could be with the use of technology, which, it is hoped, will be deployed soon. Batson called on the public to continue support law enforcement and, “wake up and realise how fragile the human body is, how fragile life is.” He noted that for the same period last year, there were 70 road fatalities.