Hotel workers killed in Trelawny crash

By Prince Moore/Kimone Witter    

 

The three passengers from a taxi who died in Sunday's crash on the Braco main road in Trelawny have been identified as hotel workers.

 

They are 19-year-old Anthony Walters, 32-year-old ?Sabrina Downie and 39-year-old Judy Levy, all of St. Ann addresses.

 

The driver of the Toyota Probox taxi, 59-year-old Marlon Lyons, of a Braco address, also died when the vehicle crashed into the back of a truck.

 

Four other passengers from the taxi were injured. 

 

The police say the crash is an indication that motorists are not paying attention to the road code. 

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, noted that the crash did not occur at a hotspot, where the police are usually stationed.  

 

"What is very unfortunate about this crash is that there were two lanes heading westerly, and for some reason, the driver of the motor car went to the left of the road behind the truck that was slowly proceeding up the hill, and collided with the rear, causing himself and three other passengers to die. These sort of crashes could have been avoided," he lamented.  

 

ACP McKenzie said there is a need to reduce the rate at which people die in road crashes.

 

He appealed to Jamaicans to be responsible in using the roadways by driving within the speed limit and following the road rules. 

 

"Do not overtake if it is dangerous to do so. I am also appealing to motorclyclists and pedestrians who we continue to lose on a daily basis: Let us use the road well, cross the roadways at points that are safe and motorcyclists need to realise that they are a vulnerable group and any mistake made could result in the loss of their lives," he warned. 

 

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council Dr. Lucien Jones said a meeting is to be held with Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake on measures to reduce road fatalities.

 

Dr. Jones said Sunday's deadly crash further highlights the need for greater action to stem the carnage on the roads.