Pedestrian killed in Aranguez Overpass accident

POLICE are warning the public against trying to cross highways, after a man was knocked down on the westbound lane of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near the Aranguez Overpass on August 26.

Around 8.35 am, police responded to reports of an accident involving a black Audi which struck a man who was trying to cross from the southern to the northern side of the highway.

His injuries were fatal and he died at the scene.

Barataria Police were unable to determine the man’s identity.

Police road safety project co-ordinator Sgt Brent Batson said pedestrians trying to cross the highway were a major contributor to road risk.

With the road fatality count for 2024 at 72 compared to 64 for the same period last year, Batson pointed to the dangers it creates.

"Pedestrians have accounted for 32 of those deaths (44 per cent), with 14 of the pedestrian deaths occurring on a highway."

He said speeding was the other major issue contributing to deaths on the roads, with 58 speeding tickets issued on August 25 to drivers who exceeded the speed limit.

“Drivers seem to quickly forget the dangerous consequences associated with excessive speed even after we continue to see the carnage involved with drivers who lose control of their vehicles all over social media.

“Road users need to exercise greater care, caution and responsibility as we continue to try to change the culture of often reckless and irresponsible behaviours that unfortunately result in tragic, yet preventable loss of life on the roads."