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‘Put speed humps @ Slaney’ – Resident

- following fatal accident on February 18, 2017 & other serious collisions prior
February 19th, 2017 | Tags: speed humps Fatal Accident Slaney speeding Jane Metcalf
A call has been made for speed humps to be placed in the public road at Slaney, on the main island of Tortola, following a fatal accident yesterday, February 18, 2017 and other serious accidents prior. Photo: Team of Reporters
Facebook user Jane Metcalf led the call for speed humps to check speeding in the Slaney area. Her plea has been receiving much support on social media. Photo: Facebook
Facebook user Jane Metcalf led the call for speed humps to check speeding in the Slaney area. Her plea has been receiving much support on social media. Photo: Facebook
Mr Nathaniel Wheatley, who succumbed to his injuries suffering in an accident at Slaney on February 18, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
Mr Nathaniel Wheatley, who succumbed to his injuries suffering in an accident at Slaney on February 18, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
Persons on the scene of the fatal accident at Slaney on February 18, 2017. Photo: VINO
Persons on the scene of the fatal accident at Slaney on February 18, 2017. Photo: VINO
Facebook user Jane Metcalf led the call for speed humps to check speeding in the Slaney area. Her plea has been receiving much support on social media. Photo: Facebook
Facebook user Jane Metcalf led the call for speed humps to check speeding in the Slaney area. Her plea has been receiving much support on social media. Photo: Facebook
SLANEY, Tortola, VI- In a call to help persons save their own lives, residents are appealing to the government to quickly install speed humps in the Slaney area on Tortola against the back drop of the frequency of serious accidents there.

Jane Metcalf is one of several persons who reportedly heard the accident in the Slaney area yesterday evening, February 18, 2017 in which a vehicle plunged on to some rocks. The driver, Mr Nathaniel Wheatley, was flung from the automobile. He landed on some rocks, suffering injuries which he succumbed to.

Metcalf in her appeal to government wrote on social media, "A man died tonight on the road near the SDA Church at Slaney in a car accident. I heard the collision happen. I saw the car seconds later roof down in the sea. I called 911 immediately and told them to send an ambulance and fire brigade. They arrived within 10 minutes. I am so sorry for his family."

The woman related too that it was not the first time she has witnessed an accident in the Slaney area.

"I also heard and watched the final movements of a taxi and jeep car colliding at the same place very recently. People from both vehicles had to be cut free by the emergency services. One man from the taxi had to be flown to Puerto Rico as his injuries were so severe."

The concerned resident added that she hears cars screeching by the church to avoid collision with other cars on a regular basis.

Put speed humps

"What can be done to make this part of the road safer? Speed humps would slow the traffic and prevent cars overtaking on a blind bend or driving too quickly by a public space (Church).

“These dreadful situations are preventable. Who in government is willing to assist and stop needless death and suffering?" Metcalf asked.

Several others supported her suggestion while one noted that government will be making such a move as evident in the markings that are already installed. However, according to one contributor to the dialogue, speed bumps are really a poor choice for a highway.

It should be noted, however, that Metcalf called for speed humps, which are a gradual raised area in the pavement surface extending across the entire travel width and with a travel length usually of about 22 feet, as against speed bumps, which are an abrupt raised area in the pavement surface.

"But then again, it is a start in the right direction to deter speedsters. I am not speaking as to what occurred today, but in regards generally when I say that when motorists drive too fast on these poor conditioned roads, the reaction time to avoid calamity is reduced greatly. Roads are full of loose dirt, gravel, pot holes, and other debris too often, and add to it the increased occurrence of drivers not holding their sides around corners while barrelling around them at "Duke's of Hazzard" break neck speeds! Again, this is a very sad accident," Metcalf stated.

Meanwhile, information reaching our newsroom is that the red Suzuki with license plate PP 276 actually clipped another vehicle before plunging off the road yesterday.

The other vehicle was coincidentally being driven by the infamous traffic officer Glenn Callwood aka Supa Cop.

The deceased driver, Nathaniel Wheatley, reportedly spent some time in the United Kingdom but was now living on Tortola.

47 Responses to “‘Put speed humps @ Slaney’ – Resident”

  • tolian to the bone (19/02/2017, 11:48) Like (32) Dislike (10) Reply
    Speed humps or speed bumps as we call them are a terrible idea. I personally don't like them. If that young man was wearing his seat belt his life may have been speared. Speeding and then thrown out of the vehicle? Sounds like he wasn't. Condolences to the family for their loss.
    • Victim of a speedster. (20/02/2017, 08:17) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
      Supposed that was someone in your family, would you still call speed bumps a terrible idea. The speedsters who are racing going now where needs to be stopped they just want to see a stretch of road and they gone even if there is work going on they are still flying. Speed Bumps may save your life one day.
      • jah know (20/02/2017, 11:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        So every stretch in the world should have speed bumps then? Lets just go ahead and put speed bumps on the high way then...@TolianToTheBone is right, maybe if he had on his seat beat or just wasn't speeding in the 1st place he would've live...I got in an accident speeding in that same area with no seat belt but I was lucky to have not one scratch on me...Ive learned my lesson...If you're driving without seat belt because of discomfort or not just take your time (Regardless)
      • speed bump (20/02/2017, 12:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        even if it have or don't have speed, people still overtake
  • cay (19/02/2017, 11:55) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    Stop over reacting to eveything
    • @ cay (19/02/2017, 13:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Let’s respects the democratic process, together we grow and divided we fall.
  • wize up (19/02/2017, 11:55) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    we need highway patrols(some fool will blog that I am against police) I recall the days when officers Holder & Fox roamed the public roads keep the road users in check: I also recall the days of the stop and search operations on our public roads(with out enforcement of the laws our civil society will continue going downhill(it saddens me to see the current trends and direction of this territory)..I also worked in law enforcement and we kept our territory under control(law enforcement keep our villages safe)
  • Come On! (19/02/2017, 11:58) Like (27) Dislike (5) Reply
    speed humps will not curb impaired drivers..... everytime somebody dies, some overly emotional person is heard and makin a call to barricade my country in the name of safety. drive safe, take your time, stop textin and drivin, stop speedin. For all we know, if there was a speed bump that boy woulda be flyin over cooper island or something. Accidents happen,get over it! I went st georges with this boy and he was a great guy but dont make this call because u want to put the blame on somebody else besides him and those involved. I'd understand if u want to talk about the poor conditions of the road, but please dont be like those people who dont know anything about riding scooters but telling scooter riders how to feel, how to ride and whats best for them.
    • voiceofthevoiceless (19/02/2017, 13:56) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Come on. It is not unusual for people to react with suggestions after such a tragedy. Human beings are in general reactionary in nature. I would not necessarily recommend speed bumps on a main road but what I would like to see are more guard rails for that area. Also, vehicular accidents happen true, but they happen for a reason and the most common reason is because of reckless or negligent driving. Most accidents can be avoided if people adhere to the rules of the road by staying within the speed limit, not driving and texting, avoid drinking and driving, overtaking around corners etc. I see it every single day on the road and it is scary!

      You mentioned the poor conditions of the road then it is strange that you cannot understand that some of these scooter riders are far too careless on these unsafe roads. Scooter riding is not rocket science, any child can drive one and they do, so for you to say that people don't know anything about something as simplistic is kind of condescending and shows that you are being defensive. I said any child can drive one but that does not mean that he/she has the ability and maturity to exercise due care and exhibit the necessary maturity required on the road. It is a life and death situation. It is that serious.
      • Come On! (19/02/2017, 16:46) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        @voiceofthevoiceless i agree with you, yes it is serious and because we KNOW we are reactionary creatures is all the more reason why we need to have the strength to sit down, be quiet, be patient and think critically on solutions before we start spewing out the mouth. With all the high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes around the place i dont see anybody callin for the shutting down of the establishments who provide them. We have screening measures and tests to ensure people hit the road responsibly. people must be able to maintain the responsibility of their own life once they are old enough to operate any motor powered vehicle on the road, how they choose to gamble their life is not my concern and nor should it be the government's as the parents and community should be playing their part by not raising delinquents..... The scooter riders go and do a figure 8 and bam, license issued in no time. what are we doing about the breeding grounds for wreckless behaviour? does it really matter what safety mechanisms we use if we have wreckless minds? these young men have no outlet for their spontaneous urges and no infrastructure to recieve them. People just dont get it, nothing is wrong with tortola or the environment, its the condition of people minds. Every where u look people are in pain and there is alwAys alcohol, drugs and food to distract us from what our real issue is.....OUR CONDITION AS A PEOPLE MUST CHANGE FIRST.
      • Guard rails (19/02/2017, 19:56) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        @voiceofthevoiceless -- I totally agree with you, but when you pass the site, you'll see there is a "natural wall" out of huge stones and sand, that is at least 4 feet high. The guard rail would be less than 2ft. He would have been thrown out much further in the sea. I am still in shock, having been very close by when it happened. My heart goes out to his wonderful family. Nathaniel was such a very nice, well-mannered young man. I am so sad.
  • staind (19/02/2017, 12:33) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    well why not put a speed bump at every speed bump,i mean God rest his soul but these things happen.
  • Good Cop (19/02/2017, 12:35) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    What's supa cop side of the story? Probably he can now help the government decide what's best for the Slaney area.
  • NICK (19/02/2017, 13:08) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    but they already have two speed bumps by the church.
  • Binocs (19/02/2017, 13:09) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    the bvi roads are scary.
  • overseas (19/02/2017, 13:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Watching from afar, easy to feel schadenfreude
  • Anonymous (19/02/2017, 13:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This problem is not going away in a hurry - not when there is such an political filter on everything being applied in the bvi.
  • resident (19/02/2017, 13:26) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    When I saw that accident yesterday, I was puzzled as to how could someone end up on the rocks on a straight road like that. My belief is speed! Some motorists are always in a hurry. Slow down let God be your pilot and take the time to enjoy the beautiful breeze and scenery. Listen to some good music. Sing as loud as you want to. But focus still!! And make sure you're wearing seatbelt. I'm sorry for that gentleman's family who now have to ask why!
  • voiceofthevoiceless (19/02/2017, 13:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let me express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the young man who died in such tragic circumstance. It is never easy to bury a son or a young brother and I cannot imagine what they are going through now but I hope they find some solace and comfort in prayer and each other in this most difficult of times.

    May his soul RIP.
  • E. Leonard (19/02/2017, 14:01) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Warmest condolences to the Wheatley family on the untimely loss of Nat. Nonetheless, before rushing bud speed ahead to install traffic calming devices, i.e., humps or bumps.........etc, the cause(s) of this and
    any other accidents in this area should be effectively investigated. Speed humps or bumps are typically used in residential areas to reduce speeds and to reduce cut throughs. They are not typically used on highways.

    Moreover, though traffic calming devices and other traffic control devices are vital for the protection and safety of motorists, pedestrians, general public health and safety ....etc and to prevent accidents, other mishaps and serious fatal injuries, including loss of life, motorists/operators play a vital role in preventing and/or minimizing accidents. This includes driving defensively, obeying speed limits and other traffic rules, driving consistent with road conditions, adjusting driving approach with weather conditions...... etc.

    Further, increasing police presence on and along roadways can help improve adherence to traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, PWD needs to launch a comprehensive review of road design and construction standards, especially the design and construction of vertical and horizontal curve alignments.
  • emt (19/02/2017, 15:00) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Adding another speed bump or speed hump would only be to the detriment of all residents on the Western end of the island who may require emergency help. Do you know how much longer it takes an ambulance, fire tender, and such other emergency response unit loaded with sophisticated equipment or water to get to West End vs. East End? The difference in time, due to the numerous already existing speed bumps, may well equate to life or death for someone in need. Active traffic policing of roads would be a much better solution. By the way speed limit should be same going West as it is going East. Saw a sign going West that says "40" but coming East on the same stretch says "30". Thought this was funny but need fixing if not intentional with good reasoning.
  • shark (19/02/2017, 15:10) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    what they think speed bumps is the answer to everything,its the reckless driving that causes accidents.I was not there at the accident scene,i know that guy real good,its real sad to see how he lost his life,condolences to the family.
  • solution (19/02/2017, 16:12) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    WE NEED TO INSTALL GUARD RAILS FROM SLANEY DOWN TO WEST END WHERE NECESSARY
  • speed bumps (19/02/2017, 16:14) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    THEY ARE CALLED SLEEPING POLICEMEN
  • Tbt (19/02/2017, 16:41) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just to remind everyone, there is no highway on Tortola or anywhere else in the BVI
  • wize up (19/02/2017, 16:52) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ride like lightning!!!! Crash like thunder!!!
  • safety first (19/02/2017, 17:43) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    If he was thrown from the vehicle he probably wasn't wearing Seat belt. No speed bump could change that.
  • Not the solution (19/02/2017, 19:03) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Speed Bumps would also reduce the time of emergency responders. Say no to speed bumps and yes to properly engineered roads and more education on safer driving.
    The responders took about 10 minutes? Add 10 more to their time when speed bumps are installed.
  • wow (19/02/2017, 19:10) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Speed bumps won't stop drinking and driving.
  • Concerned (19/02/2017, 19:51) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why all the excuses? Instead of speed bumps/humps and guard rails, how about some traffic control to stop speeding, cutting corners short and if the man was wearing a seat belt he may well have still survived. As much as the limited police dept. says they have cracked down, I am on the road a LOT and do not see many stops. I do see cell phone use, speeding, tinted windows, travel in the middle of the road and taxi divers are often the worst. SAw a Zebra colored jeep with people (tourists) in the back go on two wheels and almost roll on curve near the airport. Why are these people allowed to transport people??
  • Eagle Eye (19/02/2017, 20:08) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    So everytime there is a accident a speed bump need to get put down? Total rubbish.
  • PapaMan (19/02/2017, 21:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to start the conversation about solving problems in our society from this common ground. Solving problems is not a team sport.
  • Online Now (19/02/2017, 22:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone who wants bells and whistles can listen to Jane
  • HMMM (20/02/2017, 05:06) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

    Jane metcalf u think putting speed hump or bump whatever u call round a blind bend will will save ur life?. Can u see around a blind bend jane... foolishness.. u have to first stop them from drinking an driving so them could see where they goin..
    Everytime an accident happen yall blame it on speed bumps or hump ... me never see a lil islands with so much f**gging speed bumps yet ...

  • jokers (20/02/2017, 09:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    THESE PEOPLE IN TOLA SPEEDING GOING NOWHERE TO GET THEIR DEATH TELL THEM COOL DOWN TAKE IT EASY
  • officer tito (20/02/2017, 10:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    condolence to the family. but its nonsense with the heading what speed bump u all talking about. people need to slow down and especially when there is road work in a area u have all kind of loose material besides bad road and corners
  • concern (20/02/2017, 11:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    the trend now is on Saturdays you would see vehicle by the church park with half of the vehicle on the road. this area is use to overtake after clearing the corner. the church goers should know better. this needs to be address before a serious accident happen. Excuses and sorry is not the answer to ignorance and willfulness. vehicles should not be park on a high way.
  • pat (20/02/2017, 12:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    what did supa cop do? How did it happen? Did he fill out a report to clarify the situation?
  • Curly (20/02/2017, 22:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am shocked by some of the comments the most important thing at this moment in time is offering support and condolences to loved ones. My personal respects go out to you.
  • police (21/02/2017, 09:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are no police better then we our selves. If we learn the rules of the road and laws of the land there will be no need for us to want more police. May be channel 55 would be a good place to remind drivers of the hazards on the roads. We have a lot of young drivers on the roads also and we must be vigilante as the more experienced drivers. Together we can achieve and make this territory better. Forget about political struggles that seems to plague us where almost every blog have some form of political twist.
  • Just My Two Cents (21/02/2017, 16:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not an expert but may I remind you people, that ,Mr Wheatley's accident is not the first accident that has occurred along this stretch of road, recently a taxi driver and a number of tourist were injured not too far from where Mr Wheatley met his unfortunate fateful collision. From Prospect reef through to the New Life Baptist Church, there have been numerous collisions, some fatal some serious. The design of the road (curvaceous in nature) coupled with the wind dynamics and a grape tree foliage which obscures vision and speeding are mitigating circumstances why I would agree with Ms Metcalf that speed bumps should be place on the road to control speeders. The law abiding drivers and the lives of other road uses should be protected from those drivers who seem not to care for their lives or the lives of others.
    The strategic placing of the speeding bumps (traffic calmer) especially in the vicinity of the SDA church would drastically provide safety to church goers and by extension reduce speeding and collisions. The end result would be a reduction in speeding, reduction in accidents and a safer road way.
  • THE BISHOP (22/02/2017, 08:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    School Children say launch an investigation on Supacop cause that dudes accident wasn't his fault


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