PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever is offering condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the driver who lost his life in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 12thon the A.J.C. Brouwers road in the vicinity of the Osbourne Kruythoff round-a-bout. This is the first traffic fatality for 2019.
There was also another tragic incident involving a three-year-old toddler who tragically lost his life over the weekend in another vehicle incident which is currently under investigation. The Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever extends his condolences to the family of the young victim.
According to a Saturday police report, three vehicles were involved in the accident, and as a result of the aforementioned, one driver lost his life.
There were two victims in one vehicle and according to the police report based on the preliminary investigation, the driver and passenger were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the impact.
Another driver from a vehicle involved in the accident according to the police report seems to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested on the spot and detained for further investigation. The police continue to investigate to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Minister De Weever is appealing to all motorists and other road users to adhere to the laws of the land with respect to road safety for pedestrians and other road users.
Driving under the influence is definitely a violation and can be considered careless driving whereby the driver of a vehicle on the road does not give due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.
Always buckle up. Seat belts are there for a purpose and they are mandatory. By wearing a seatbelt, one reduces the possibility of serious injury during a vehicle crash.
Everyone in a vehicle, including back seat passengers and children should wear seat belts properly. Lap and shoulder belts must be worn, and shoulder belts must not be placed behind the back or under the arm.
Young children should be placed in a child car seat. Persons riding a motorbike should make sure they wear a helmet and the same for their passenger.
Drivers should not be distracted while driving. Drivers should not be using a hand-held cell phone while driving, nor read, write or send text messages, email, or use the Internet while operating a motor vehicle. This place the safety of other road users at risks.
“For the New Year, we need to all practice safe driving habits. There is no need for speeding, slow down, don’t be in a rush, safety first for all road users. Don’t take risks on the road because you put other innocent people’s lives at risks.
“Everyone including pedestrians and those riding a bike on the road must remain vigilant and must adhere to safety rules. Life is too short to drive too fast and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Life does not have a reset button, so never be careless,” Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever said on Sunday.
