BVI News

Scooter rider dies in Monday morning accident

Members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) are currently at the scene of another fatal scooter accident on the main island of Tortola.

Reports from the police are that a scooter rider died in an accident on Pickering Street next to the AO Shirley Grounds earlier this morning.

The police have not yet released the rider’s identity nor have they disclosed the cause of the accident.

Asked whether the accident involved other vehicles, Police Information Officer Diane Drayton said she is “awaiting confirmation on other details”.

The RVIPF advises motorists that both Pickering Street and Station Avenue are presently closed, and motorists should use alternative routes to get into the city.

This is at least the second fatal scooter accident in the territory since the beginning of the month. Earlier this month, a scooter rider was killed in a two-vehicle crash in the Havers area.

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56 Comments

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  1. Compliance on bikes says:

    How about starting to check each and every motorbike for proper insurance, helmets and modifications? Unless there is 100% enforcement, more young persons will get killed..don’t just make the laws, start enforcing them.

    Like 69
    Dislike 3
    • Jah says:

      Those are small money fine..they rather go mooring to get the big fish so they could grab the cash..

      Like 13
      Dislike 4
    • CALL THE POLICE says:

      People if a scooter hit YOUR vehicle, no matter what, CALL THE POLICE. No matter how much the scooter rider beg you not to….do yourself the favor of calling the police cause these scooter riders don’t have the proper documents and don’t want the police involved, so they will promise you they’ll pay for your vehicle damage, but when you try to get them to pay after the accident, they will curse you off nasty. One of them young boy from belle vue hit my partna bus and now the lil punk don’t want to pay

      Like 16
      Dislike 2
    • Eat a food vip government says:

      Ok, so how is that going to help in reducing fatalities or curtailing it without the scooters taking responsibility for their own action and safety and the safety of the other road users?

    • Jim says:

      Got another one

    • Sadbutitstrue says:

      So because your ride have proper insurance seatbelts and modifications. You’re not going to get in a accident? So because you have all your paperwork somebody can’t till slam up in that same ride an total it? That’s what your saying you sound so dumb! An all that like this niss

      Like 3
      Dislike 3
  2. easy says:

    he was obviously hit. and it took them over an hour to cordon off the area and get their story right.

    Like 8
    Dislike 27
    • @ easy says:

      Look at the damage to the vehicle. The scooter slammed into its side.

      Like 22
      Dislike 2
      • sad says:

        the scooter had the right of way if you know the rights of the road so the police vehicle should have stop and waited but they didn’t so that’s why the scooter hit the police vehicle.

        Like 5
        Dislike 21
        • Raise min age. says:

          All vehicles approaching or leaving a junction should be at a reduced speed. If the scooter rider had adhered to that then no matter the cops actions the rider would have had time to react. Sadly, the words ‘reduced speed’ and scooter riders do not go together in this territory. Unless something drastic changes, we’ll keep seeing accidents of this nature unfortunately. The truth is the bikes are most popular to younger adult males. When are males most reckless and careless- when they are young. It’s a lethal combination.

          Raise the minimum age immediately.

          Like 28
          Dislike 1
        • @ sad says:

          A right-of-way does not grant someone the right to drive speedily. The damage to that scooter and the police vehicle displays how fast the scooter was going.

          Like 13
          Dislike 4
        • Question? says:

          Question, what was that bike with no plates, no body parts or no way to identify the rider doing on the road?

        • Public Disclosure says:

          The right of way is always to a police vehicle and any and all emergency vehicles.

    • What!!!! says:

      “easy”
      “he was obviously hit” so you were there and saw it happen or just shooting off your mouth?

      Like 14
      Dislike 1
  3. March Mornings says:

    Not a good time to be riding a scooter on Tortola. Condolences to the families of the riders who died on 2 and 21 March.

    Like 14
  4. wow says:

    another one bites the dust

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  5. Traffic Light says:

    Ideal place for a traffic light.

    Like 18
    Dislike 7
    • yes says:

      Yes – this intersection is awful. It should be a light or maybe a traffic circle (to preserve the lovely tree) to make right of way certain.

      Like 8
      Dislike 1
    • Traffic light yes says:

      I agree. I am sure there could easily be another government contract to put up traffic lights that cost millions.

  6. How many more? says:

    First condolences to the deceased family. So many people are either dying or being seriously injured due to these scooters.

    The obvious question is: How many more need to die?

    Clearly there is a problem here. What is the government doing about this public health emergency beyond lip service?

    Im all ears.

    Like 21
    Dislike 2
  7. Another rider says:

    I’m 54, and have been riding all my life. Dirt bikes on trails and gravel pits (jumping), small street bikes, and full-size motorcycles. Just to say, I have lifetime of experience. The lack of safety in the Caribbean Islands baffles me. I’ve never before witnessed such unsafe driving, by motorcycles & scooters, AND all other motor vehicles.
    Safety is a choice of the community… sadly, kids will do whatever they can get away with, and more. It’s seems to me the bar has been set very low, and the unusually high fatality rate is not surprising. ☹️

    Like 72
    • @another rider says:

      While you are right and I completely agree with you 100%; this doesn’t appear to the fault of the young man’s riding. RVIPF needs to investigated by an outside police force. They shouldn’t be handling their own investigation into this matter. They cannot be trusted to be impartial.

      Like 8
      Dislike 6
      • Another rider says:

        I understand the “cause” is under investigation.

        Still, basic motorcycle skills, or driving skills, teach us to predict and avoid accidents. This young rider may have been following road laws, but he didn’t avoid an accident, and that is nearly always doable. Automobile drivers are equally unsafe, and to my bewilderment, even commercial truck drivers here fail to drive with safety in mind. In most countries, drivers of the BVI would all be suspended for a year, for “dangerous driving”, and commercial drivers doing what I’ve seen, would never be permitted to drive commercially again – a lifetime ban.

        I apologize for my experience that let’s me sit atop a soapbox, but I’ve been driving motorcycles since I was 13, and in that time I’ve predicted and avoided dozens of accidents, where the only reason I wasn’t hit was because I’d been driving with the understanding that automobile drivers don’t see riders very well, and my survival depends on me driving in control, such that I can evade the mistakes of others. We can argue all day long about who is at fault, but when it comes to riding that conversation is usually with the creator. It’s best we drive in a manner that provides the best chances of being able to avoid other’s errors, such that we’re alive to point the finger.

        I don’t blame this young rider… I do blame the inhabitants here for permitting unsafe driving in their community. It’s your choice to have wise laws, to demand enforcement of the laws, and to provide and mandate driver safety training. I see no evidence of any of that. ☹️

        Like 10
      • Another rider says:

        I understand the “cause” is under investigation.

        Still, basic motorcycle skills, or driving skills, teach us to predict and avoid accidents. This young rider may have been following road laws, but he didn’t avoid an accident, and that is nearly always doable. Automobile drivers are equally unsafe, and to my bewilderment, even commercial truck drivers here fail to drive with safety in mind. In most countries, drivers of the BVI would all be suspended for a year, for “dangerous driving”, and commercial drivers doing what I’ve seen, would never be permitted to drive commercially again – a lifetime ban.

        I apologize for my experience that let’s me sit atop a soapbox, but I’ve been driving motorcycles since I was 13, and in that time I’ve predicted and avoided dozens of accidents, where the only reason I wasn’t hit was because I’d been driving with the understanding that automobile drivers don’t see riders very well, and my survival depends on me driving in control, such that I can evade the mistakes of others. One could argue all day long about who is at fault, but when it comes to riding, that conversation is usually with the Creator. It’s best we drive in a manner that provides the best chances of being able to avoid other’s errors, such that we’re alive to point the finger.

        I don’t blame this young rider… I do blame the inhabitants here for permitting unsafe driving in their community. It’s your choice to have wise laws, to demand enforcement of the laws, and to provide and mandate driver safety training. I see no evidence of any of that. ☹️

  8. The Truth says:

    It doesn’t have to be like this.

  9. Jah says:

    I think the Gov should reconsider the age limit for bikes..as you could see clearly is children are being killed or get serious injuries..the limit for owing a bike should be in place..a bunch of schools children riding bikes without helmets,this isn’t really a matter for police it’s a matter for the government to change the law or the policy..in east end you could see tons of bike in some yards while kids working to fix them the parents would just look on..those parents who need to pay a fine when the child commits a crime,

    Like 22
    • Doesn't Matter says:

      There are overgrown boys (in their 20s and 30s) riding scooters with no caution then go to their friends’ funerals crying their eyes out only to go back doing the same careless riding.

      Like 23
  10. Anonymous says:

    Them Filipinos got scooters for years, they don’t get in any problems because they follow the laws and ride with sense. These tough guys don’t want to wear helmets, get licensed and they use the scooters to make noise and circle the blocks and commit illegal activity. They have stained the names of other scooter riders who just want a cheap way for transportation.

    Like 69
    • Wake Up Call says:

      This morning despite the accident, a scooter rider without a helmet was zigzagging between vehicles speeding down the highway.

      Like 10
    • Hustle says:

      Consistently,the VI is being stained with the actions of overwhelmingly, one specific demographic. It IS evident that the continued
      installation of this demographic, not withstanding the resulting social,economical and financial adverse effect in the VI is for nefarious intent by beneficiaries.

  11. Frank says:

    Its such a small and beautiful island and there are more accidents and killings than a normal big town elsewhere. It should be very easy to keep it safe and in order. Someone obviously dont want that to happen. It is very sad. My condolances to the family and friends of this victim.

  12. CCTV says:

    Would also help monitor the trouble makers with minimal effort. Time for change. Time to raise the minimum age for sure. No brainer.

  13. mercy says:

    My condolence to the family and friends of the rider.

    At times we need to acquire the right information before we post. with that said, why did the police vehicle break the law by not stopping when they should have.

    now another young life was tragically ended.

    I am waiting to see how this ends.

    Like 3
    Dislike 7
    • @ mercy says:

      Looks like you also need to get the facts before you post.

      Were you there? How do you know the police vehicle did not already make the turn when the scooter came speeding through.

      Like 8
      Dislike 2
  14. Ban those bikes says:

    When the minister for transportation was talking about these bike riders was enforcing the law most of you was against it and was criticizing him see now keep on happening again and again

  15. listen says:

    the young man was cut off by the police them need to tell the truth…..

    Like 3
    Dislike 5
    • To listen says:

      Good!!! Cause the scooter riders feel they are above the law

      Like 3
      Dislike 3
    • Note says:

      A police vehcle speeding to an emergency has right of way in civilized society. A scooter rider defiantly excercising stupidity and absurdity to the contrary can easily be crushed and blown dust to dust.

  16. Jah Know says:

    CCTV will tell all of what happened. Police station is right there, gas station and car dealership, there should be enough cctv around the area. If not, then we really need to do better here in the BVI

  17. Sadbutitstrue says:

    Hmm none of you seems to realized that the bike is split in two! also the police truck back wheel is blown out! Indicating that the bike was ran!over! Ok let’s say he slammed in the truck number one his body would not of end up so far close to nibs entrance. He was coming from botanical road he must stop to look left our rite to go straight.the young man was hit by the cop.

    Like 6
    Dislike 3
    • listen says:

      thank you. everybody on here but bike this and bike that but not seeing what really happen. my prays are with his family and the young lady i hope she pull thru…

    • Anonymous says:

      “the young man was hit by cop”
      Because:
      The young man and his scooter,unexpectedly and not seen was positioned in their path as they were speeding to an emergency.

  18. Fluffy says:

    So what is the condition of the young lady that was placed in the police vehicle after the accident??and why neglect the young man laying on the ground to run back to the station?????and whats with all the long guns????TRUTH BE TOLD!!!

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  19. Hustle says:

    Consistently,the VI is being stained with the actions of overwhelmingly, one specific demographic. It IS evident that the continued
    installation of this demographic, not withstanding the resulting social,economical and financial adverse effect in the VI is for nefarious intent by beneficiaries.

  20. HYPOCRITES says:

    eveytime one of those CRACKHEADS o skooters kill themselves, all yo start chatting sh*t , well some people villages be able to get a Quiet night rest ? let them commit suicide if they want ( no sympathy

    Like 1
    Dislike 4
  21. Kelly says:

    I disabled 5 scooters this morning. It’s for the riders’ safety and the community. You can too.

    Stop the scooter madness

  22. Sadbutitstrue says:

    Its impossible that the bike slammed in the truck and end up in so much peace’s if that was the case. The Nike would not of brake in two the two riders would of a went flicking yes. But the vice should a remain one place an that by the side of the truck. But it was not it was in peace’s all over the road. Clearly something big was still moving an doing damage. That’s why the truck is so far from the peace’s of what was! a bike. Justice!! justice!! justice!! For those of you hiding and protecting the police by hiding and holding back information. I do wish that was your child! To see if your really humans.

    Like 1
    Dislike 2
  23. Sadbutitstrue says:

    If you all do the proper investigations you would even fine out from public workers that was working
    up the gut yesterday morning. STATE! that yes while working thay notice a Police truck fly pass then speeding going down the road. The yound man was on his way to work that morning in his R.W uniform. My boy never even make it far the distance from his home is only 5minutes tops walking distance. To where his life ended. For who never know. like yes!! he live like rite! there!!. To get Run the f over

  24. Ha says:

    Seems like police was going somewhere in an emergency.
    For certain they would have right of way.in the VI many folks do not give right of way to Siren blasting ambulance much less to police..
    The concept of fire truck,ambulance,police conducting emergency business requires motorist to pull over ,to give complete right of way is something that they refuse to do…weird but true.
    They get vex and huffy and stand their ground not giving room for emergency vehicles. Causing Dead ly accident as result ,then they at fault,seriously. Another example of lack of enforcement and ultimate result.

  25. Sadbutitstrue says:

    I really hat this so called justice system that most of you hypocrites sorely believe in. That will cover hide control manipulate the truth no matter the shape our form. A bet you of that businessman what’s a police he will get charged for manslaughter but look because it’s a police it’s just an accident open up your eyes people something is wrong here.
    True that all emergency vehicle has the right of way including police vehicles….TRUE ALL TRUE BUT WHO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE police siren even being on?????????????? Nobody Because it wasn’t an that big! facts!! It’s not over……

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