Moped rider dies in traffic accident
A moped rider has become the first person to die in a traffic accident during the Traffic Safety Month that started on August 15 and which ends on September 15.
Reports indicate that the moped rider died at the hospital. The Public Relations Office of the Police Force Suriname (KPS) indicated that on Sunday morning the police received a call regarding a collision between a car and a moped on the Schietbaanweg near the cemetery.
The moped rider had reportedly sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Emergency Room. The investigation indicates that the 20yearold driver ended up on the other side of the road before the collision with the moped rider took place. The driver does not have a valid driver’s license and was driving under the influence of alcohol. He is reportedly in jail awaiting trial. Nearly 1.25 million people die in road crashes each year, on average 3,287 deaths a day. An additional 2050 million are injured or disabled. Over 90 percent of all road fatalities occur in low and middleincome countries, which have less than half of the world’s vehicles. Road crashes cost USD $518 billion globally, costing individual countries from 12 percent of their annual GDP. Road crashes cost low and middleincome countries USD $65 billion annually, exceeding the total amount received in developmental assistance. Unless action is taken, road traffic injuries are predicted to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2030. Road traffic crashes are predictable and can be prevented. Many countries have shown sharp reductions in the number of crashes and casualties by taking actions including: •Raising awareness of, legislating and enforcing laws governing speed limits, alcohol impairment, seatbelt use, child restraints and safety helmets.•Formulating and implementing transport and landuse policies that promote safer and more efficient trips; encouraging the use of safer modes of travel, such as public transport; and incorporating injury prevention measures into traffic management and road design. •Making vehicles more protective and visible for occupants, pedestrians and cyclists; using daytime running lights, highmounted brake lights and reflective materials on cycles, carts, rickshaws and other nonmotorized forms of transport.