Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Saw this article and was wondering where it occurred?
Jamaican police are investigating after John Rowsom, 76, was struck and killed by a motorcyclist as he walked along a road on the island's western tip on Thursday.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa...ycle-1.3447434
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
It happened in or very near downtown Negril. I was In the area at that time and suddenly everyone was talking about it. I didn't see it so only know what details I read in the paper. However, I do know police and EMS were on the scene quickly.
Anyone who walks downtown knows what a hazard the bikes are. They do fly around at dangerous speeds without regard for their own safety or that of others.
Yesterday at noon I went shopping at Cash n Carry next to Winners Plaza where the bike taxis congregate. Of course, it was business as usual. The guys were drinking and smoking. The police were at the roundabout busy stopping route taxis and checking paperwork while impaired bikers flew by.
Maybe the death of a tourist will motivate the police into some modest action but I doubt it. Certainly the deaths and serious injury of Jamaicans from bike accidents hasn't.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Most of the Jamaicans driving motorbikes or scooters are completely out of control....I was there for two weeks (driving a rental car) and these guys don't care just pass and cut in between.......Been driving in Negril for many years and this was the worst it has ever been........Driving to the golf course with the main road closed and driving thru the back roads to get around the construction.......it was apparent they have no concern about others and think they are invincible........Something needs to be done for their own good.........Just my humble opinion...........
Ken
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Horrible! So very sad for his family..
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Read some of the comments below the CBC story. The usual ignorance about the island.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
I just returned from Negril and witnessed a number of near misses between motorbikes or scooters and pedestrians on the new sidewalks. Hopefully this can be fixed as the sidewalks are a great addition for Negril and I would suspect a major reason for them was to increase safety. The instances I observed involved various rental guys. They were riding for a distance down the sidewalk before entering the roadway. I did not understand this as they had driveway access to the road very near their stands.
My condolences to the family of Mr. Rowsom.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
We used to enjoy riding a scooter around Negril, we decided after witnessing one car wreck in front of Rockhouse and seeing the aftermate of another down by RIU that we are done taking the risk. The Jamaica authorities have to get the reckless driving under control or it will drive tourists back onto all inclusives or out of the country period. Nearly everyone we talked with had a story about near misses with cars or motorcycles.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
I was in an accident on my second to last trip. It was minor, but was caused by a drunk route taxi driver (he was my driver, so I know he was drunk). Dude was just flying down west end rd through the curves up near xtabi and clipped a car coming the opposite way, taking his mirror off and scratching the side of his car. Other driver whipped a u turn and caught us just as we pulled into sips n bites, I thought the other driver was gonna beat the hell out of my driver. Drivers in Negril are terrible in general.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TAH
I was in an accident on my second to last trip. It was minor, but was caused by a drunk route taxi driver (he was my driver, so I know he was drunk). Dude was just flying down west end rd through the curves up near xtabi and clipped a car coming the opposite way, taking his mirror off and scratching the side of his car. Other driver whipped a u turn and caught us just as we pulled into sips n bites, I thought the other driver was gonna beat the hell out of my driver. Drivers in Negril are terrible in general.
We had the craziest experience, we stopped on our scooter at Canoe and had a beer and decided to head further into the cliffs. I commented to GF to be careful and pay attention when near the road as you never know when you will need to sidestep a car or MC that is out of control. MY Gf asked the question "Wonder what they do when there is a wreck here, do the police even show up?" Fast forwards two minutes and we are riding between Samsara and Rockhouse a car coming towards us is obviously flying and fails to make the curve and literally is totaled hitting one of the heavy steel poles and striking the wall by Rockhouse. We heard the crash and turned around to see if anyone was injured. No major injuries just some blood from hitting the window a bit but it really shook us up. That car could have killed us or someone walking along the wall so easily, I don't know why the Jamaicans drive so recklessly when otherwise they seem to be so nonchalant and never in a hurry.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
der are lot more drivers on da road these days in Jamaica and with it comes a higher chance of accidents.....
overtaking causes the majority of accidents wi have here and yes it is not getting any better.......
wi do have police on police motorbikes here but mi yet to see one pull over a motorcycle......dunno why
sumthin has to be done and mi don't have the answers......but mi agree enuff is enuff
Cool Runnings, Marko
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Check the articles I posted in the thread Help A Newbie, as soon as bikes are confiscated, the drivers acquire new ones.
One of the wisest airport drivers I ever had, when the vehicle(s) in front of him were slowing or turning, he would operate his own signals as if he were the one turning. I thought it was brilliant.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Moving ... this to the TOP of the page ...
.. WHY ...
because it needs to be SEEN
sidewalks .. nice ... beach rd ..
westend /one love dr.... YOU take your life in your hands.. just by taking a walk
this man ... gave 30 years of love to this island ..& it gets brushed aside ...
this SHOULD have 1000's of views ..
I for one... am outraged that this is NOT taken more seriously ..
have we all become ...
..who has the cheapest beer & where can I get a room for X $$ 's per night ...
SAD !!!!!!!
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Was the victim known to people on this board?
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
I agree with Slightly Stoopid whos post is mostly smart. I am not blaming this unfortunate couple at all, but we have to pay more attention to our surroundings, and do not take our safety for granted just because we may be on vacation. I have had a few close calls of my own walking the west end road, luckily no major injuries occured. I will continue to trek up the west end road, but I will be twice as attentive as to having an escape route if needed.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Thank-you ..sorry , I just had to vent ..
@ the end of the day ...Yes, this could very well be anyone of us ..or local
@ least the problem is & has been addressed on Norman Manley Blvd.
the westend /One Love Dr. area ..NEEDS ..attention ..the business's will suffer/ & most likely already are
It's one thing to have a busload of tourists go to Rick's & back ..but, another for those who want to enjoy ..the area on foot & enjoy the smaller Bars ..Etc
I only say all of this ..because (like the gent that was killed ) ..I've enjoyed.. Negril /Ja. for almost 28 years
if it means they gotta knock down some walls..do IT !!!
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TAH
Was the victim known to people on this board?
Could be, a few thousand lurk, only a small percentage post.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lola
Could be, a few thousand lurk, only a small percentage post.
Well, yeah, I realize that. I meant anyone who posts here, as the guy was named in the paper.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Maybe speed bumps (sleeping policemen) every few hundred yards would slow everybody down and make it safer for pedestrians.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Our group walked everywhere last trip a few years back. We walked on the side of oncoming traffic though, so we could keep and eye on what was coming at us.
I have seen that this isn't the way we are "supposed" to do it, but safety first!! Very sad to hear this news. I feel for this poor grieving widow.
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
So sorry to hear of this tragedy, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I can't even imagine the pain for all involved. Please be careful people, unfortunately, some do not value a life as much as others. Be safe.
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Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
Here's how I defend us from the the motor cycles:
Cap
Attachment 44525
Re: Road Tragedy . . . Any more info?
We seldom go to the west end because of how difficult it is to get around on foot. Generally, we take a cab to a restaurant in the evenings. This trip, we walked from Rooms to Sunshine plaza, via the new sidewalk.... but took a cab from Sunshine to Canoe! It was worth the 200 JA to not be killed walking around the curve up the hill, even that short distance. They have done such a wonderful job on the sidewalk on Manley blvd, but definately need work done on the west end. Business would improve dramatically if the road could be widened to include a sidewalk there too. I know it would be a HUGE undertaking, but well worth it, if only to avoid accidents and loss of life.