Traffic Chief says stricter enforcement needed after fatal accident involving cows

Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh has renewed calls for stricter enforcement against owners who allow animals to roam freely on public roadways, following a fatal accident on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Sunday night.

Singh noted that across the country, animals left unattended often occupy main thoroughfares, creating serious hazards for drivers.

“These are hazards, it goes without saying that enforcement might be the only way to curb the practice of owners who virtually leave these animals unattended,” he said during Monday morning’s ‘Jump Start’ on HJ 94.1 FM.

Referring specifically to Sunday’s accident, Singh stated that the tragedy could have been prevented. According to information received from traffic police on the East Coast, the area where the accident occurred is an undeclared roadway that is still under construction.
“There ought not to be any vehicular traffic in or on that area,” Singh revealed.

He added that effective enforcement requires adequate resources, including safe vehicles to transport animals once they are taken into possession by the police. Singh further explained that impounded animals should be kept at a designated location and released to their owners only after the required fines are paid. In many cases, he said, court prosecution should also follow to ensure accountability.

His comments come after a fatal accident that claimed the life of 32-year-old Mathana Cambridge of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Police reported that Cambridge died at around 21:00 hrs after she swerved to avoid a herd of cows along the Greenfield, Railway Embankment, ECD, lost control of her vehicle, and collided with a concrete light pole before ending up in a nearby trench.

A 27-year-old female teacher, also from Ann’s Grove, was injured in the accident. Police said she sustained minor injuries and remains under observation.