TTPS urges caution around large trucks

  • Aug, Fri, 2024

Ryan Bachoo

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is urging pedestrians to exercise greater care and caution when attempting to cross roadways in close proximity to large trucks.

In a statement on Friday, the TTPS said, “Pedestrians are reminded that large trucks especially Extra-Heavy Goods Vehicles have large blind spots, which can greatly reduce the visibility of drivers at certain angles. These areas include directly to the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle outside of the view of the driver’s side view mirrors and approximately 45 degrees to either side of the truck drivers’ side mirrors.”

The TTPS says Thursday’s incident involving a large Tractor Trailer Unit which took the life of a 57-year-old woman, which occurred along the main road in Montrose, Chaguanas, was another reminder of how quickly poor judgement can lead to the tragic loss of life on the roadway.

TTPS Road Safety Coordinator, Sgt. Brent Batson, said, “Drivers and pedestrians alike need to be more alert when in the vicinity of this class of vehicle and it may often be the safer option to allow them to complete their maneuvers before entering the same space. In addition, pedestrians should never step in front of the path of any vehicle until the vehicle has come to a complete stop and you can confirm the driver has actually seen you or even better, acknowledged your presence on the road and your intention to cross the roadway.”

Data from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Brach Roadway Surveillance Unit indicates that pedestrian deaths for 2024 continue to be a major challenge in road safety efforts, with 34 pedestrians killed trying to cross the roadway.

This figure represents a 100% increase for the same period in 2023. On Thursday night, Highway Patrol officers responded to yet another fatal incident on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway involving a pedestrian, bringing the 2024 road death toll to 74, a 10% increase from last year

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