The scene of the accident on Beef Island where regular racing takes place. Photo: submitted.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Speed bumps are being considered along the stretch of road along Beef Island which is used as a “race track” by many with motor cycles and cars in the wee hours of the morning especially on week-ends.
In an invited comment to VINO, Traffic Chief Ariel Cameron stated that soon he will have “dialogue with the Ministry for Communications and Works to get some speed bumps placed at strategic locations along that road.”
“We are going to submit our proposal in writing very soon,” Mr. Cameron added. “The speed bumps will act as a deterrent for the racing.”
His comments come three days after 14 year-old Trey Erickson died while he was racing along the stretch on Saturday evening, March 26, 2011.
His left leg was severed in a crash between two motorcycles. Sources told VINO that there was a race between two bikes when a collision occurred resulting in Mr. Erickson having his leg cut off from the hip.
The Elmore Stoutt High school student died in a Puerto Rican hospital on Sunday, March 27, 2011.
Trey Erickson died on Sunday, March 27, 2011. Photo: Andre Dawson
The fatal accident must be a wakeup call for police officers and the need for constant patrols in those isolated areas where racing has become a norm for many years, is the belief by many residents.
In response to this, Mr. Cameron stated that the police will definitely step up patrols in light of what transpired.
Matter will head to court
“Somebody died and we are still investigating the incident thoroughly, but the matter will eventually head to court,” Mr. Cameron disclosed.
Though he is tight-lipped about the progress of the investigation, the traffic chief emphasised that the matter is being “urgently” looked into.