There was a traffic accident in the city this morning. No one was seriously hurt, but as the traffic thickens with the opening of school next week, it’s important to take note of what can go wrong in the bustle of the city on a weekday morning.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
When 7NEWS came upon the accident just after eleven near the corner of Faber’s Road and Central American Boulevard the bicycle could clearly be seen crushed under the front part of this Chevy Econoline van. It looked deadly but the rider twenty eight year old Clive Arnold junior had escaped from the wreck with only minor injures.
Driver Jason Betson seen here assisting the traffic police in their investigation appeared to be shaken by the incident. Jason Betson who is an employee of Grace Kennedy Belize Limited told us that he did his best to avoid crashing into the
cyclist by pulling to the far left but the bike and vehicle made contact.
Jason Betson, Driver involved in accident
“I was coming from Port Authority going towards the roundabouts and this gentleman just pulled from the right hand side of the street over to the left side. I swerved over to the left some more to avoid hitting him but he didn’t conscious what was happening so he just came the same way I was coming and when I applied brakes the vehicle hit him.”
A family member of the victim told us that her nephew received abrasions to his hands, elbow and knees and was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. At the scene the police took their standard measurements and questioned Jason Betson. Betson believes because the rider managed to jump off his bike before the vehicle ran over it and so he sustained only minor injuries.
Jacqueline Godwin,
Who you think is responsible?
Jason Betson,
“Well he was the one who wasn’t paying attention to the flow of traffic. He just swerved across the street and didn’t look. I couldn’t avoid it.”
Because the accident occurred at a busy location and very close to at least three primary schools motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians are being advised to be very careful especially when the children return to their classrooms on Monday.
The accident remains under investigation and no charges have been brought at this time.
