The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force is investigating a road traffic collision which occurred at about 10:00am on March 14th 2019 at Grand Savanne Salisbury on the Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway.
According to a reports from Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inspector Simon Edwards the accident involved Toyota RAV 4 Registration number TM958 owned and driven by Phillip Clunes, male 83 years-old of Grand Savanne and truck registration number TJ424 owned by Raco Tile Gallery and driven by Desmond Charles of Salisbury.
Edwards said the truck was traveling south on the E.O Leblanc Highway transporting concrete blocks with the jeep at its rear traveling in the same direction on the Highway.
“Upon reaching the hardware department located on the western edge of the E.O Leblanc Highway in Salisbury, the truck driver negotiated the truck westward to enter the compound when the jeep ran into its rear,” Edwards explained.
He said the jeep sustained extensive damage. The driver was seriously injured in the face, legs and back.
He was transported to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) where he was medically examined and admitted to the Alford Ward.
I do not want to make any sort of speculations or conclusion on what happened but all I can say is that we need to practice proper driving procedures not only for our own safety but that of the others. I saw someone saying health screening for elderly persons (eye screening) before issuing license but this could be done for everyone. Just my thought. Also the installation of speed camera detectors.
In the developed world, in the driver manual issued to driving students (learners) and seasoned drivers by the DMV; we are instructed when following behind another moving vehicle, one must remain at least three length of a vehicle.
Assuming the length of a car is ten feet, the mandatory distance following the motorist in front of one should be thirty feet.
The reason for that is; in the event there is an emergency ahead, and the vehicle in front have to come to a sudden stop, the vehicle following behind will have ample time to stop without running into the rear of the preceding!
I suspect the man was following too close; I doubt it has anything to do with his vision, I see old and feeble people over 83; driving the freeways with thousands of cars heading in the same direction on two, three, and four lanes heading in the same direction; changing lanes and not getting into accidents, as they drive within the posted speed limits!
Looks like he wasn’t driving a safe distance behind and his response time to brake was below par…
Was the driver 83 years, at that age eye inspection and other health screening should be done to continue being given license to drive.
And DO NOT follow too close, because drivers stop anywhere, at any time with no indication.
Many drivers and passengers incl even bus and taxi drivers do NOT wear safety belts.. It is so stupid but what else is new..
You tail gating with all that speed man!?So many crazy drivers in Dominica.
Did Desmond, the truck driver, indicated he was about to make a turn? Was the indicater on the truck functioning?
Indicated or not dominicans too like to drive close to people bottom just like they behiND skerite bottom smh
Dominicans always speeding going nowhere. Would like traffic department to serious investigate all these accident to find the root causes and possible solutions.
I take it mr. Clunes was not wearing a safety belt? Hope they fix him up at the PMH.
ok, something strange here?
Pay attention to the vehicle that is ahead of you.