Pedestrian killed by speeding motor car

– driver flees scene after accident

A pedestrian was on Friday evening pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara (WCD), after he was struck down by a speeding motor car along the Hydronie Public Road, Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
The dead man has been identified as Kayum Alie of Bushy Park Squatting Area, EBE. Based on information received, the car that was involved in the accident is registered to Sheldon Holder of Doctor Charles Scheme, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
However, Police investigation has revealed that on the day in question at about 21:55h, the motor car was proceeding along the roadway at an alleged fast rate of speed when it collided with Alie, who was standing on the median in the centre of the road.
As a result of the collision, the motor car reportedly toppled several times and crashed into a nearby shop where it came to a halt. Nevertheless, due to the impact, Alie sustained injuries to his body and was assisted by the police and escorted to the hospital.
The driver, on the other hand, reportedly exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Alie’s body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem
Meanwhile, the vehicle was lodged at Leonora Police Station as the police make every effort to arrest the driver.
Only recently, Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram disclosed that fatal accidents in Guyana for the year thus far have increased by a whopping 37 per cent when compared to the same time in 2019.
For the year 2020, there were 115 accidents, resulting in 125 deaths. From the fatalities, five were children. In comparison, the same period in 2019 recorded 84 accidents and 94 deaths. A significant amount of these accidents was caused by speeding and intoxicated drivers.
The Traffic Department has made a total of 46,266 cases against errant drivers thus far – 19,179 of the cases were for speeding, 786 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1924 for breaching traffic light signals and 986 for failure to wear seat belts. Some cases were made out against persons who were using their mobile phones while driving.
He reiterated that the loss of so many lives for the year thus far is unacceptable while noting that in order to enable safer roadways for both pedestrians and drivers, the traffic rules must be adhered to.