Sleep deprivation is believed to be the cause of Saturday morning's double fatality near Guayamare River Bridge, off the Uriah Butler Highway.
This is according to road-safety watchdog Arrive Alive.
Around 4 am, Keron J. Antoine, 35, of 6th Avenue, Malick, Barataria was driving south along the Uriah Butler Highway when he collided with a concrete barrier at the Guayamare River Bridge. The car plunged into the river. His passenger, Samantha Beepath, 31, along with the driver was killed.
Arrive Alive, in a Facebook post, said it was suspected that Antoine had fallen asleep at the wheel.
“We suspect Keron J Antoine, the driver, with his passenger Samantha Beepath fell asleep when at around 4 am this morning, his vehicle was proceeding south along the UBH when on reaching the Guayamare River Bridge he collided with same, and the vehicle plunged into the said river!! May they Rest In Peace. Our condolences to their families. So very tragic!”
“We appeal to all drivers and passengers - listen to your bodies and don’t drive when drowsy or tired. Sleep is contagious especially in the “wee” hours of the morning. As passengers we need to stay awake to assist our drivers,” the road safety group added.
Among those who responded were Divisional Fire Officer Rampersad and his party together with Supt. Gill, Insp Mannick and WPC Browne of the Chaguanas Police and Sgt Hosein and A/Cpl Kaizer of the Highway Patrol.