N?Hway accident: sign of bigger problem
It?s a scene that has traumatized far too many Belizeans: mangled metal, broken glass, blood on the asphalt…every year traffic accidents claim lives, destroy families and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to property. But as News 5?s Jacqueline Woods discovered, drivers can avoid a lot of pain and suffering by simply following the rules of the road.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
This morning?s accident at the junction of Chetumal Avenue and the Northern Highway was just one in many that have occurred at this same spot. Police say this white Oldsmobile car driven at the time by forty-six year Carlos Alvarado was travelling from Ladyville to Belize City, when upon reaching mile two and half it crashed into this pickup truck, driven by twenty-eight year old Donicio Cruz. Police say preliminary investigations reveal that Cruz, who was travelling from Belize City, tried to cut across the highway and turn into the avenue before waiting for the oncoming car to pass. The impact was so great that it spun both vehicles out of control and landed the pickup truck in a ditch.
Raymond Berry, Sgt, Traffic Branch
?When travelling on the highway and you intend to make a left turn, it?s your responsibility to draw over to your right and allow traffic to flow freely that is coming from behind and in the opposite direction and as soon as it is clear for you, then you are able to make that left turn.?
Authorities say it is troubling to see so many accidents occurring simply because of a driver?s negligence. This morning?s accident which caused minor injuries to both drivers and one passenger could have been avoided. No charges have yet been brought against Cruz, but that could change after the ongoing investigation is concluded. The crash not only wrecked both vehicles, but the pick-up truck broke a main water pipe line and left a large number of area residents without water for most of the day. According to a spokesperson for Belize Water Services Limited whoever is at fault will be charged. Meanwhile, Sgt. Raymond Berry from the police traffic branch advises all motorists travelling along this stretch of highway to exercise due care and attention.
Raymond Berry
?The point is with drivers, when they want to make a left turn they would park in the middle of the road and the vehicles coming behind them would go to the right and then go on their way which is wrong, which is wrong. They should pull over to the extreme right and allow the vehicle behind them to go on in the traffic while the opposite one also until it is clear.?
Water supply in the area was scheduled to return to normal by late this evening. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
