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  by pltm
• Jan 10, 2021
• 7

(PLTM) - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is investigating the circumstances that led to a collision between a scooter and an SUV this afternoon, January 10.

Initial reports indicated that the female driver of a red Hyundai Tucson was proceeding in a westerly direction in the westbound lane and attempted to turn across the east-bound lane into Skelton Hill. The scooter ride was headed in the opposite direction when the collision occurred.

According to reports, the scooter rider told persons on the scene that he believed that the driver of the SUV had seen him coming and had stopped. Hence, he continued at the same rate of speed at which he was riding.

The scooter rider was taken to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith hospital for treatment.

Last month police expressed concerns about the increasing number of motorcycles involved in accidents. Ten of the 15 accidents with injuries reported during the month of December alone involved scooters or motorcycles, with eight of the ten riders requiring hospitalisation.

Chief Inspector Dariel Robinson noted that December stats alone indicate that collisions involving these two-wheel vehicles are extraordinarily high.

Half of these vehicles were removed from the scene before Police arrived likely to prevent confiscation. These actions suggest that the vehicles were likely neither licenced nor insured.

“Large numbers of scooters and cycles are confiscated by the RVIPF monthly when used illegally on the roadways, yet the numbers on the road are steadily increasing. Limits and conditions must be set by other sectors of the community, both public and private, to regulate purchases and insured lawful requirements are fulfilled prior to procurement of these vehicles. For the year 2021, management policies will be necessary at all levels for there to be safety on the roads and to reduce the danger of riders,” the Chief Inspector said.

In 2020, there were five road fatalities. Of the five, three were as a result of scooter collisions.

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