THE driver of a Toyota Corolla car proceeding south along Vlissengen Road, Georgetown allegedly at a fast rate at about 11:15 hrs yesterday was suddenly confronted with a pedal cyclist who was riding along the eastern side of Vlissengen Road, proceeding in the same direction as his vehicle but deciding to change lanes.
In an effort to avoid hitting this cyclist, the driver ended up depositing his vehicle in the canal between Irving Street and Vlissengen Road, opposite the Shell Gas Station in Bel Air Park.
Amazingly, both the driver and the cyclist emerged unhurt from this near fatality. Ranks from the Guyana Police Force mobile patrol unit controlled the flow of traffic as the Corolla was being removed from the canal. Except for the water damage as a result of the car being deposited in the canal, it seemed in good condition as it was towed away to a city wash bay to be cleaned.
The cyclist rode away before the driver of the car was able to emerge from the canal. The unperturbed manner in which he departed the scene caused persons to express concern about the careless manner in which pedal and motor cyclists use the roadways. They allegedly often cause accidents as motor vehicles try to avoid hitting them; they are commonly seen riding against the flow on streets designated for one-way traffic; and they often ride through stop lights.
The driver was said to be the nephew of the owner of the car, who arrived on the scene in Toyota Tundra GRR 1134 and removed the vehicle from the canal. The number plate of the vehicle was quickly removed, and the vehicle had no other visible registration marking. The person said to be the owner of the car remained mum on who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
The Guyana Police Force has said it would be intensifying its enforcement campaign in 2015 to reduce road fatalities. Statistics have shown that, during last year, 146 persons have lost their lives on the roadways. Pedestrians and motor cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. (Raymon Cummings)
