The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

and DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Staff Reporters

FOUR people are dead and four others are in hospital following three traffic accidents on three Family Islands over the weekend, police reported.

The first incident occurred on Friday around 10:30pm on Queens Highway in mainland Exuma.

A 22-year-old man of Bowe Hill was driving east on the highway in his 1996 black Suzuki Jeep when his jeep struck a man, police said. A doctor on the island was called to the scene and pronounced the man dead upon examination.

The next incident occurred nearly four hours later in Mangrove Cay, Andros.

Sometime around 2am, two men and a woman passenger, were riding their motorcycles south on Queens Highway in Swains when one of the riders collided in the rear of the other.

Both drivers and the passenger were thrown to the ground after losing control of the bikes. The men, one of whom is said to be a police reservist, died of their injuries while the woman was airlifted to Nassau for treatment, police said.

Police also reported that a 21-year-old man has died and three others were injured when the vehicle they were in was involved in a traffic accident in Abaco.

According to police reports, the accident occurred around 5pm on Saturday on the Ernest Dean Highway.

Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that a blue 2008 Grand Suzuki Vitara was reportedly travelling south on the highway when the driver reportedly lost control and ran off the road.

The vehicle was extensively damaged and all four occupants were injured. EMS personnel took the victims to the Marsh Harbour Government Clinic, where they were seen by the doctor.

The 21-year-old man of Murphy Town died of his injuries.

Police are investigating all of the incidents.

Earlier this month, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin appealed to motorists to “be careful” while driving.

“Please do not drink and drive. If you have been drinking alcohol, please assign a designated driver who is sober and competent,” she said.

“Please do not speed. Please drive defensively, understanding that a third party can put your life at risk. Parents admonish your children before they leave your homes to drive carefully and to wear their seat belts.”

There have been more than 20 traffic related deaths this year.

The Bahamas recorded 51 traffic fatalities last year, 44 in 2012 and 44 in 2011.