Cyclist killed in collision on ETH
(CNS) UPDATED: The cyclist who was killed in a crash on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway this morning is a 56-year-old resident originally from Australia, the police have confirmed. The man was killed at the scene some time after 7:30am Tuesday along the stretch of highway between Yacht Drive and Batabano. Both the car and the bicycle involved in the collision were travelling north towards West Bay. Police said the victim died at the scene but the motorist was said to have been uninjured. No other details or explanation for the collision have yet been revealed given the road has a designated cycle lane.
The incident caused significant delays earlier this morning after police closed the northbound lane and diverted traffic on to the West Bay Road. The incident is now under investigation by the traffic unit.
Category: Local News
Such a sad set of circumstances. Regardless of the outcome of the police investigation, collisions on Cayman roads will continue to occur until the standard of driving is corrected through both the DVLD at the test and exam stages and enforcement by the RCIPS. Unfortunately, I believe that there is little respect for either of those two entities, the latter especially. If they think that radar along LPH or the odd road block will address the dire standards of driving habits that we have become accustomed too help at all, then we really are in bad shape.
This is my first time commenting on CNS but the actions of the driver has hurt me to the bone I needed to say something.
How is it even Humanly possible that you see a man dying and your first thought is to take a picture, post it and make such horrific comments. My heart goes out to this poor man that he wasn’t even given any comfort whether he was still with us or not. Any normal reaction would have been to HELP! It’s so unbelievably sad and troubling that the drivers thought was “this is not my day”! A man has just died because he didn’t see your vehicle on his path…….which makes me think you might have pulled over in front of him and your vehicle was not there when he looked up before. How can you be worried about your day seeing what’s just happened to this man?! My heart goes out to his family and I’m praying that they will never see the picture that was taken of their loved one….helpless. Heartbreaking!
Heartbroken your comments touched me and I couldn’t agree with you more. It is because you Sir/Madam have a soul and a moral compass, unfortunately not everyone does.as was displayed by what you observed your posting. Pain is a reminder of our humanity and I say God bless the man who died and his family.
This is the direct result of the tech generations coming up. These youth have zero compassion, and they instinctively post everything.
Social media has directly assisted this decline in our social fabric in that people prefer to message or post things than to actually have a conversation with another human being. They’ve become totally desensitized to death, gore, etc. Thanks to TV, pop (trash) music and a a blatant lack of good parenting, we get monsters. We create them.
If we are to believe that the youth are the future, globally, then we must admit we’re pretty screwed!
Our futures look BLEAK.
CHMK – Heartbroken – Thank you for your sympathy for our dear friend. May his death be not in vain. 🙁
I don’t know why anyone cycles here. It’s like playing Russian roulette every time you get on your bike. Motorists are not looking out for anyone on the road but themselves. You know that’s the truth when it’s common practice to stop in the middle of the road and leave your car, speed down the middle turning lane, cut off people while on a roundabout, never use an indicator… etc etc.
I was forced to slam into the back of a young drivers car when she decided to speed up to turn in front of me. I’m sure she still thinks she didn’t do anything wrong. Her mother didn’t want me to go to insurance and then spent 1 year going back and forth accusing me of fault when I had multiple witnesses. You see the problem here? Young drivers who haven’t been taught how to drive properly and parents who coddle instead of teaching lessons. If that were my child I would have made them write an apology and I sure as hell would have paid the medical bill immediately. I haven’t cycled since.
RIP to this cyclist. So tragic.
Heard that the Mercedes SUV was pulled-off on the side of the road.
Therefore, the driver of the SUV is not at fault and this death would be considered death by misadventure on the cyclist’s part.
This is sad that someone has lost their life, but we cannot blame the driver just because it makes us “feel” better.
This particular accident is the exception to the rule in Cayman, whereby the driver really was not at fault and the cyclist was simply either distracted or not as observant whilst exercising. This is more of a freak accident than anything else…..but we cannot lay blame on the driver just because we “feel” like it and it’s the obvious answer.
In this case, some people argue that the SUV should not have been pulled off in the bike-lane and walking lane; but the issue with this is where do you want drivers to pull off then?
If a driver is using their mobile phone etc, where are they to pull off?
We have to share the roads, this means that cyclists too must be vigilant that cars, SUVs, trucks etc will sometimes be parked and or pulled-off the side of the road and this sometimes means occupying temporarily the cycling lane and or walking lane.
It takes two.
RIP sir.
“Heard that the Mercedes SUV was pulled-off on the side of the road.
Therefore, the driver of the SUV is not at fault”
The driver could have pulled off the road 5 minutes before the cyclist appeared on the scene, or the driver could have pulled off the road and slammed on the brakes 1 second before the cyclist ran into the back of the SUV.
In both the scenarios above the “SUV was pulled-off the road”, but to whom any portion of “fault” should be attributed would not be the same.
Why don’t we just leave it to the proper authorities to investigate and file a report?
It is a bypass, therefore no one should be pulling off to the side of the road. It is a cycle lane not a parking lane. a driver shouldn’t be using their mobile phone whilst driving anyway, and if they HAVE to use their phone, they should pull over to an appropriate location – not a cycle lane on a main road.
Turn the f?$king mobile phone off when driving….simple as that! He will be alive. Rest in Peace.
Sorry but this one seems to be the fault of the cyclist. Not often the case, but this time it is.
Obviously no-one meant for this to happen.
I would NEVER ride a bike amongst the irresponsible morons that populate Cayman’s roads.
6:04 when its your day a Cayman moron will not be there
Each and every time I run in cayman I take my life in my own hands running against idiot drivers , just saying
Before posting comments on here criticising car drivers people should check out the photo of the crash scene that is posted on another media website. That suggests the vehicle was rear-ended, apparently with enough force to destroy the bike and dent the tailgate.
The driver of the vehicle posted a picture of his SUV with the bike in a heap at the back and stated.. “I’ve had a bad day”?? What an absolute A-hole! Allegedly he pulled over into the cycle lane suddenly to answer his phone and stopped and the bike went into the back of him.. The end.. especially for the cyclist.. who was one of the nicest, safest, most conservative, conscientious people I’ve ever met..
I literally just spoke to a gf in London stating: I miss us cycling through London town! Can’t wait for you to visit Cayman it’s so beautiful here! We’ll cycle and explore! All along noticing how I look at ppl like they are STRAIGHT CRAZY! For cycling on a highway!(wondering how will we get throughout the island safely?) Just yesterday driving pass a few cyclist on this same spot this gentleman was killed 🙁 I slowed down and drove a few feet away……So Cayman is a Financier “Capital” in the Carribbean (exeragerating) the government is far from broke & their is empty land on both sides of these highways ???? . SMT how much bloodshed on these wide & smooth highways will it take for you Caymanians to step up & do something about it….strike! Something! Exercise your voice as citizens; your soil! Your land! I wreckin no employees from the great D at the forefront…..Terrorist attacked on those bridges in London following say barricades were up! This Paradise keep screaming at ya it’s pains (wake up warnings) & it keeps pointing back to “Birthright complain but simply all talk” you can’t effectively get results with rude and spiteful behavior…Unite with a Strategy. God’s strength, healing and comfort to the deceased loved ones. #JusticeTruthEffectiveChange
Unprotected bike lanes on roads are really meant for commuting and not necessarily for recreational (aerobic) exercise. The issue with high-end cycling exercise is that you are often leaning forward, sometimes with your body parallel to the road with forearms resting on the bars. This is in contrast to an upright position, where you have greater awareness of your surroundings, are travelling at a slower speed, and are not aerobically fatigued.
Unfortunately, any time bicycles mix with automobiles, accidents are going to happen. And knowing some of the details of this specific case, this is somewhat of a freak accident.
One of my pet peeves when I used to walk on Walkers Road was cars parked on top of the sidewalk!! I would have to get off the sidewalk and walk on the road till I passed the parked vehicle!! I have seen police cars pass by and nothing is done!!
How about in front of that jerk chicken “restaurant” or the restaurant by the ESSO where cars are halfway in the road to park instead of pulling over somewhere safe and cops do nothing!
When do we get to blame DART for building these highways, convoluted roundabouts and unnecessary obstructions? Any where else in the civilized world there are ramifications for whoever built such things that later on posed or caused acutal damages and loses to persons and or property. So do we blame our government (who approved) these works, or the financier,designer,builder and contractor (who is one of the same in this case)? Who do we sue? If this accident caused damage to the landscaping I can tell you for a fact that the above financier,designer,builder,contractor would be claiming damages from the respective insurance company to replace landscaping. This admits a certain level of ownership. Can the family claim damages for loss of life?
Dart builds them with CIGovt support and only opens them when the government gazettes them as theirs so there is no liability to them as builders…. sorry. These are government roads. So why did the police not address a parked car in the cycle lane??
Your an idiot
You are an idiot Mr. DART has nothing to do with the way other idiots use the roads
We would like to blame him but we are afraid he will get upset and we will be left homeless and hungry.
This is a very ignorant statement. After all there is a designated bike lane and two traffic lanes. Before we only had one south bound and one north bound road with no facility for cyclist. Therefore they would still be riding in the road if dart didn’t place that road. You guys would still complain that something need to be done right?
Explain how the road or its design led to the accident? Hell, it even had a cycle lane, not that it seemed to make a difference. The desire to blame Dart for everything on this island is just plain sad – you will be blaming him for hurricane season next. By all means have a pop at the man for his development ambitions, for his domination of the economy – but blaming him for a road traffic accident where there is zero indication that the design of the road had anything to do with the accident is pathetic.
if we did not have DART to blame, think of some one else, life would be boring!
You are an idiot. Everybody knows Jaycaymans are to blame for the wreckless driving.
YES, we need to hold the government accountable for their short-sightedness in the development of this country as they have ignored and disregarded the basic needs of its people, when they sold crown land to the highest bidder who now dictates the quality of life (or lack thereof) we have all sadly come to know. The design and building of the roads are the responsibility of the NRA. Anyone who drive these roads know the fatal flaws that exist. How many more people need to lose their lives or be critically injured before they take full responsibility for the mistakes made in roadworks throughout the island? Why were the roads designed with having no proper shoulders? As a result, cars have no where to go in instances such as having a flat tire, if their cars break down, if the police or other emergency vehicle need to pass or if an accident occurs. How was this overlooked? Who is responsible for ensuring there is adequate controls and proper oversight to the process? When will critical changes be made to correct and improve these oversights? People need to be held accountable and NOW!
10:03 I was born 1948 in Grand Cayman I don’t know when or where you were born. Do you really want to know the Death toll on our two lane roads before there were any DART or NRA to blame ?
Everyone seems to forget the ” if we build it they will come” mantra touted by every developer. Dart built it with the bike lane for cyclist how ever every driver thinks it’s for them to stop as they please. Maybe some public service education is in order. The bike lane is for bikes not cars. Ooh not my fault no one told me. I was worried about the popo so I pulled over.
Condolences to the family of the man that lost his life today. I read with interest regarding how many posters blame the motorist whilst some blame the rider. Has anyone looked at how poor our roads are designed? I’ve seen where cycling lanes disappears into a side walk. Take a look at the $1.3M south sound board walk, it is a recipe for disaster and I hope anyone killed or injured in this area, sues the persons who came up with this idea and the planning department for approving the wall for the two homes built on the mountain. Next to these two homes there is side walks for the condo development but after that going east you have this wall with now boulders in front of the wall, very unsafe. Also look at the new million dollar roads and traffic still backed up for miles morning and evening each work week – ridiculous and we paid for it!
The wall you refer to across from the new South Sound board-walk is an accident waiting to happen. Recently large boulders have been placed against the concrete wall with plants to beautify it. There can be no more than mere inches between those boulders and the road-edge as you cycle by , or walk/ jog. If you are passing the wall on your bike, you are in threat by being taken down by car or truck mirrors as they whiz by, giving you zero room for safety. How were the owners of these two large homes allowed to encroach onto the roadway with their wall? There is zero setback as required by the law. Why has planning and the N.R.A allowed such a dangerous situation to be approved and built? Now there are orange traffic cones placed along the wall, as if to grant approval by warning you of the danger. Why are the orange traffic cones there , if the construction poses no danger? RCIPS..NRA ?
That back up traffic come from people that don’t know how to use the road.
So sad. I don’t drive on that road, have been safely driven by others , but it seems like way too many accidents happen there. Is there anything in particular causing these accidents besides careless driving and speeding? Surely there must be a remedy to that. Condolences to the family. Please remember that we really need to look out for each other. There is no need to speed anywhere in Cayman, every where is just down the road or up the road from wherever we are at any given time
Rest in Peace dear Chap, always a delight to meet you when you came around. Deepest condolences to your family.
As motorists, we need to be more vigilant and we need to obey the road codes! Just this morning, while in traffic, I took my own two eyes and saw so many drivers behind their steering wheels with their phones and other gadgets; one lady in particular got me so upset.
She was driving with what appeared to be an ipad laying flat ONNNN the steering. This woman was at times too close to the car in front of her and because her eyes were obviously not on the road, she was delaying traffic on her side. She was simply not with the timing of the traffic flow.
When the police pull them over, they have all sorts of excuses and even go as far as threatening and badmouthing the police.
WE need to STOP and think!
May this man RIP 🙁
two issues:
why don’t these new roads have cctv where all road offenders can be easily recorded and prosecuted???
why don’t the police enforce basic rules of the road…how many cyclists do you see at night with no lights, helmets or even reflectors?
More common than you would think. You got pedestrians wearing dark clothing and usually skin is dark as well so they invisible until the last second. You got the dirtbiker gangs where they all ride together with no lights. You got cyclists and other drivers who never signal where you are going.
Honestly the speeders never bother me as much as the people who are distracted or careless.
I agree – my prayers go out to the family for this man but cyclist especially need to ride a little more careful. Stop going into the lane for cars when there is a designated cyclist lane and stop for the love of God riding abreast each other. It is asking for trouble.
Drivers here seem to drive with resentment towards cyclists. I’ve had to stop because I live in SS and had several near misses due to careless drivers.
And that part of the road even has a cycle lane!!!
I’m with you. I miss cycling here, but decided my life wasn’t worth the risk .I’ve had motorists deliberately try to run me off the road by swerving to get their rear quarter to clip me on the way past , its no joking matter. Condolences to the family of the victim in this incident.
Why are you all assuming the driver is at fault?
Sorry but it’s really not okay to do that until the investigation has been completed.
On more than one occasion I’ve witnessed cycle riders riders riding in the road when there is a dedicated cycle path available.
Drivers need to be much more considerate and careful, BUT so do the riders.
First condolences to the deceased and notwithstanding that the driver probably had no other place to pull over, I am sure he/she feels absolutely shattered.
I am a new Cayman resident. My wife and I ride a tandem from South Sound virtually every day when we are in Cayman. We are from Toronto. It may surprise Caymanians but this is unquestionably a safer place to ride a bike than Toronto or in my experience any major metropolis in North America. Europe is much safer. Bottom line is driver’s “hurry” is always more important than your life. The larger the city the greater the “hurry” factor. I am used to riding in in -20C weather which is a whole different safety ball game than Cayman weather. So Cayman is cycling paradise except for no mountains to climb. One of my pet peeves is why don’t we (cyclists) do something about the roads? Cayman is a small place geographically. It would not be difficult to build a paved bike lane (both sides of the road) from the end of the East West Arterial Road all the way to the East End around to Rum Point and back down Frank Sound Road. I understand that the Premier is a cyclist. Why not make a deal with the government that we raise private $ (from cyclists) and once we meet the required target in $ we pay for the bike lanes built by government? Just an idea.
So someone obeys the law and pulls over to use a cell phone. Kudos to you for being a law abiding citizen. Albeit it is sad and unfortunate that this man was killed, I could hardly find 1% of fault to the driver of the car. Be it the side of the road or a bike lane the owness is on the individual riding the bike to keep his eyes on the path in front of him. Anything could happen. Someone could be walking, an iguana, chicken, or dog could be standing there. You hit that and go flying , maybe even into traffic.
Everyone using the road is responsible for themselves. Use caution and be safe Cayman.
Everyone using the road is responsible for themselves AND has a duty of care to all other road users. Yes, look out for yourself, but you also have to look after everyone else, and if you are driving a car, you can do more damage than anyone operating any lesser vehicle or on foot, let alone animals; the law acknowledges that when it looks at the driver’s actions and vehicle in relation to the victim’s (if any).
You need to check the traffic regulations and Highway Code – stopping in a dedicated cycle lane is clearly forbidden (and answering a call on your cell phone is not remotely the type of emergency that would justify breaking that rule).
If the description of the accident is accurate, however, I don’t think anyone would contend that the cyclist does not also bear reapobsibility (and thank goodness it was a parked car rather than a pedestrian / jogger, otherwise there could have been more than one fatality).
You can’t park in a bike lane. To be honest, unless your car is broken down, a driver wanting to pull over to use their cell phone should pull over safely in an appropriate place that does not place any pressure or risk to other road users. Or go hands free like the rest of the modern world. Frankly, I would never intentionally pull over on any of the bypasses even the ones without bike lanes, because of the speed and the constant overtaking by vehicles.
Is there anywhere else to pull of the road along those lanes? If you have to stop your vehicle for sometime you can’t just stop in the middle of the road either.
Here’s another example. What if there is an ambulance traveling behind you in the same direction, where do you pull off? It’s the bike lane… because there are no other lanes or space for vehicles to pull over except the bike lane.
actually, if you are on the bypass and an ambulance is coming from behind you, there should be no reason to pull over if you are already in the left hand lane as they would be able to overtake you in the right hand lane. Even if you do need to pull over, you should still be on the look out for pedestrians/cyclists, which may be left of you. I think the main point is that if your phone is ringing, the bike lane is not for the purpose of answering your phone, you wait until an appropriate place to do so – in that area, pull off into public beach or Governor’s Harbour
Correct me if i’m wrong but aren’t you suppose to pull off to the side of the road and clear the main road for emergency services responding? I was always under the impression that the main road had to be clear, this means pulling off to the side and not just changing lanes.
yes, if it is a single lane, however no if on a dual lane or more – either way, the main point here is that the cycle lane is not for taking phone calls. HIghway code states that no parking in the cycle lane for any reason other than an emergency
Are you blaming the cyclist?
Blame might be a strong word, but certainly the cyclist bears some responsibility. It is a bit of a freak accident but a momentary lapse of inattention can be tragic.
12.23pm This was of course so tragic, a wonderful sportsman who died on the road he used so much.I hope you don’t take offence to me pointing out that the word you wanted was “onus”, your howler takes some beating.
It is illegal to pull over in a cycle lane. Your phone call can wait!
RIP cyclist and condolences to the family. Accidents will happen but clearly poor road-use habits increase the likelihood. At times, I’ve seen drivers and cyclists alike doing unsafe, illegal and downright stupid things on the roads. Until road use practices improve, we can expect more serious and/or fatal accidents.
My big problem is with the insensitive people who take and send out pics of accident victims (or victims of violent crime) even before family can be notified. This is grossly disrespectful and sick! What if it were you or someone in your family, would you like that? Do unto others as you would like them do unto you!!
11.47 am In some countries you can be jailed for publishing photos in these circumstances. This is the only way to stop these morons in Cayman..
Hey friend it’s journalism. Yes it’s legal.
CNS: For the record, there is no chance that CNS would publish them.
4.38am You are as moronic as the driver. Journalists do not act as this driver did and call the poor deceased a fool. How would you feel if it happened to your brother, would it be journalism then?.
I drive up and down this road many times a day and there are always bike riders.
It saw the pictures and it looks like the bike hit the back of the SUV. This suggests that the SUV was either parked or slowly moving on the side of the road. I hope the driver was not reversing.
Most of the bike riders do not use the bike lane will ride at the side of the car lane. This guy had the aero bars on his bike and was probably riding with this head down in a streamlined position. In this position, you have to make the effort to see what is ahead. That is how he can hit the back of the SUV head first.
I am a bike rider and ride my bike up and down that portion of the ETH. I always use the bike lane. It is for my safety. And I ride as if everyone else it a nut because in an accident, the bike rider always gets the worst of the crash.
I am sorry for the death but would really want to have more facts on how it happened before blaming either side.
“would really want to have more facts on how it happened before blaming either side” Except that you just did that in your diatribe…
If bike lanes can’t be used for cars to pull over for a moment then someone should tell the police this…they are constantly in that lane trying to catch speeders. The landscapimg people also utilize this area for their vehicles sometimes. Very heartbreaking about this gentleman but if I know I am on a form of transportation that has nothing protecting my body and is made for speed, I would use a lot of caution especially on a highway.
what is it with this road and killing people.
RIP. Great fella and will be sorely missed.
A few observations regarding the roads:
1. The bike lanes aren’t for cars to pull over, park, and take their dogs for a walk.
2. Cyclist and pedestrians are vulnerable when they’re on the road. Drivers should protect them and be considerate for them. Drive slowly, give them space, be observant of their needs.
3. Please stop taking pictures of accident victims.
Stay safe.
Thank you for your sympathy for our friend. You raised good points that should be addressed.
We need to erect armadillo humps and/or bollards along the bike lanes and traffic circles to protect cyclists from careless and negligent vehicle drivers – cutting corners or texting into the lanes. We must develop a safe bicycle-friendly (and healthy) transportation option island-wide. Nobody should be dying. The cycling and triathlon associations should be meeting with Chamber partners, NRA officials, and Gov’t Minister to ensure nothing like this happens again.
Apparently he ran into the back of a car that had pulled off on the side of the road. It’s really sad, SIP friend.
Time for the bike lane to be separated from the main road by bollards so that runners and cyclists can use it safely.
This sounds like a very sad situation. Dont know the details so not making any specific observations about this accident. I would observe the following:
1. Many car and motor cycle drivers treat the ETH like it was the Daytona Speedway. I live off this road and at night the sound of speeding vehicles and screaming brakes is crazy;
2. Generally cyclists come out the worst in any incident but they also have responsibilities. I witnessed a cyclist a few days ago run a person off the path on WB road as they cycled along the pavement. It is illegal to cycle on any pavement;
3. Cyclists also must stop cycling on the wrong side of the road as it is both dangerous and illegal;
4 likewise drivers should not be in cycle lanes and need to take more care. We all are supposed to share the same road;
5. I agree with other comments that cctv must be put in place on all these highways and enforce the laws. It would make it safer for all and hopefully improve peoples’ attitudes on the roads.
I agree, but the cycle lanes also need to be cleaned, as when they are covered in debris as they often are, even the cyclists need to ride on the road in order to avoid tyre punctures.
Are there any other places in the world where people are allowed to cycle or run on high speed motorways?(just wondering..)
2.42pm, with that parochial comment I can only assume you have never left Cayman.
“High speed motorway” – you are hitting the nail on the head sir, but not for the reason you intended. I suggest you check the speed limit for ETH. This is NOT a motorway, and does not have a high speed limit. It only seems this way because so many people ignore the limit and drive as fast as they please. I know of two other cycling friends who have hit the back of cars in this area, both of whom pulled over and stopped suddenly in front of them, without indicating or looking for hazards. Neither one pulled over because of an emergency situation. In both cases these cyclists were lucky to escape with mild concussion and cuts/bruises. This poor man’s death was completely avoidable. Unfortunately the skill and awareness of drivers on Cayman’s roads has not increased whilst the number of drivers has gone up exponentially. Every one of us witnesses bad driving and near misses every journey we take. Enough is enough. Time for serious change Cayman.
In case you have not noticed, there are no ‘high speed motorways’ in Cayman
All bollards will do is take up even more of the scant free space there is…
So very sad. He was gentleman.
It was only a matter of time! I always see cars cutting into the cycle lane on that corner. What’s the point of going into the cycle lane?!?!?
What a tragedy – R.I.P. Prayers to the family.
I hope the sick f who took a picture of the deceased on the roadway and shared it, will
be located and taking care of. Disgusting individual beside the fact no one wants or schold see such pictures. 2 of my co workers
got this picture within minutes – speechless. Glad I don’t know ppl who would share those things.
This is the worse place i’ve ever known for traffic violations and fatal accidents per square mile!!! Oh, not forgetting the serious crime rate as well. God help Cayman.
You must be a troll! I would like to know where you are from? Then compare your home to ours.
Dude, nowhere I travel, I see so many accidents like in Cayman, I’m Caymanian however, i travel a lot for work and drive a lot all over the world, hardly I see vehicle accidents. In Cayman, I see accidents pretty much every other day. So, I do agree that Cayman roads are dangerous, I wish I was wrong!
PS. I’m not the person who posted the initial comment, I’m just giving my two cents.
11:55 i can see you don’t watch Miami news in the morning
Not a troll, it is true.
The Cayman Islands is a third world country when it comes to road safety. Drink driving, texting at the wheel, making phone calls while driving, overtaking on white lines, carelessness because of failing to use mirrors, failing to signal, failing to look right at roundabouts……….
My home town in the UK is comparable in size to Cayman – there is on average one road death every two years, in Cayman there are 10+ per year……….
I agree, the driving here is atrocious. Every single day I either witness or have to directly avoid an accident because someone does not understand the basic concept of a roundabout, an overtaking lane and giving way to the right. Oh and the lack of using indicators. It astounds me.
As example, this morning I had to abruptly break and honked my horn at a female driver who entered the roundabout so close to my front end when i had right of way. I then witnessed the same driver cause another driver to brake abruptly (they also honked at her) because she proceeded to merge into a lane that she should have given way to; she didn’t stop or decrease speed at all but just went right through by the skin of her teeth.
Schoolbus just missed clipping the corner of my car as it turned into my lane .. what sort of example are the drivers giving the kids??
I agree only 20% of persons living in CI are actual descendants from persons who are not first generation Caymanians. A lot of bad driving habits have be imported. We should be like Bermuda. LImit the size of the engine on vehicles and expats to only one vehicle per family.
Ja Rule the road wi da cheecky smile.
Ah 10.51, never admit there is a problem, eh? Deflect it somewhere else and never do anything about our own issues. Very bright. You ever wonder why this place is going to the dogs?
locals treat this highway as a race track when they get onto it.
solution: cctv cameras that will catch dangerous drivers and speeders.
10:06, “Locals”?, only locals? Wow.
I don’t know if you’re local, but I think it’s safe to say that you’re a idiot.
Some locals yes, but also some expats, some “residents”, and some of whomever else finds themselves behind a steering wheel.
Maybe not locals, but pretty much anyone in a later model Honda Accord.
Locals means people who live here rather than visitors. Get off your high horse.
Not just locals
Maybe not these islanders but I guarantee they are islanders.. probably from next door.
I think everyone using the road can be reminded to use extra care considering there are so many accidents and deaths.
It’s one of now several roads here that gives people road rage because it is clearly capable of being used at a higher speed but the limit is stubbornly down where it is. The tendency to drive on that road above the speed limit is far from treating it like a race track. Perhaps if it had a realistic speed limit, cyclists and pedestrians would treat it with the caution it deserves and drivers would not speed quite as much as they do now.
1:48 – you are actually wrong. By engineering standards the length of the road, speed, and size reflect an accurate speed. What people need to do it realize you are not going to get home all that much faster if the speed is higher taking in account the length. That is generally reflected by people who pass myself and we meet at the next red light.
There is no reason to speed anywhere. The road may seem capable of having a higher speed limit but it may not be designed for it.
Also, many people have never driven at highway speeds nor even had lessons in doing so.
Finally, you don’t see riders on highways usually in other countries as it is downright dangerous. However, we have so few main road routes that riders have to share them, so speeds need to kept suitably low for this. What I don’t understand is why more people aren’t ditching their cars and riding anyway. It is healthy and we have near perfect conditions (weather and topography).
The roads should all be designed to accommodate riders safely and government should be pushing healthy activities like this. One DG 5K a year is a great start to bringing awareness to the need for healthy exercise, but the other 364 days there should be a push to continued activity of all sorts.
“Also, many people have never driven at highway speeds” you are absolutely right. People from the likes of England drive for hours continuously at over 80 mph (yes illegally) & are use to it, but the muppets in West Bay drive at 55 / 60 mph for 25 seconds & think they are experienced capable drivers — then hit a tree!
Most sensible thing I have heard in a while, increase the speed limit “and drivers would not speed quite as much as they do”!!!!!!!!!!!
what is a realistic speed limit ?
Speeding isn’t as bad as drinking or phone driving. At least the speeders are forced to watch their surroundings. I wish everyone would drive more cautiously but that a long way from ever happening.