LUCEA, Hanover — In response to the first traffic fatality recorded this year, the Hanover Police Division has launched an aggressive new road safety initiative. Superintendent Andrew Nish, commanding officer of the division, announced the intensified measures following a tragic collision that claimed the life of a senior citizen.
The fatal incident occurred early Thursday morning on Watson Taylor Drive in Lucea, involving a commercial Toyota Coaster bus and a pedal cyclist. The victim has been identified as 75-year-old Keith Campbell, a resident of Cousins Cove in the parish.
Police reports indicate that the accident transpired approximately at 7:00 am when the bus, traveling from Negril toward Lucea, collided with Campbell who was cycling ahead in the same direction. The impact occurred near the Hanover Parish Library section of the road, resulting in the cyclist being thrown from his bicycle.
Campbell sustained catastrophic injuries including a fractured skull, broken arm, and severe head lacerations. Despite being transported to medical facilities, he succumbed to his injuries. The bicycle was completely crushed in the accident.
Superintendent Nish emphasized the police’s renewed commitment to implementing more rigorous traffic enforcement strategies. “We have determined to tackle the streets robustly to prevent these accidents that ultimately lead to fatalities,” Nish stated during his announcement.
While acknowledging that any loss of life remains significant, the superintendent noted comparative improvement in road safety statistics. The parish has recorded only one fatality this year, contrasting sharply with four fatalities during the same period last year.
Despite this relative improvement, Nish reiterated the division’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety through increased police visibility and strict enforcement of traffic regulations to further reduce accident risks.