In the early hours of August 8, 20-year-old Aleiny Reve Villegas lost her life in a tragic one-vehicle accident on Eastern Avenue. As family and friends mourn, members of the public wonder what will be the fate of the 39-year-old from George Town, who was arrested on 10 August 2022 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Consequences
Consequences under the Roads Act for the 39-year-old, if convicted, could be imprisonment for ten years and automatic disqualification from holding or obtaining a driver’s license for a period of five years or such longer period as the court may order. Details of the offense will also be recorded on the driver’s driving record.
However, in order for the court to reach that point, the police must prove that the suspect was driving the vehicle on the road “dangerously or recklessly”, given the manner of driving or the impaired condition of the vehicle, and by doing so caused the death of Mrs. Villegas.
The police are collecting evidence
As police continue to investigate, one of the things they are looking at is CCTV footage of the incident where a small sedan was seen pass the Honda Accord carrying Ms Villegas shortly before the fatal crash. Therefore, the police will appeal to the driver of that small sedan and anyone else who may have witnessed the accident to gather evidence in the case.
Number of alarming accidents
Ms. Villegas’ untimely death adds to the high number of serious accidents reported in the Cayman Islands each year, with 2,633 motor vehicle accidents attended by police officers in 2021, an increase of 466 vehicle accidents from 2020. This number could it rises again in 2022 if the average of 51 motor vehicle accidents per week continues to be the norm.
See also
Reducing the number of accidents
In order for serious accidents and deaths on the road not to become the norm, the behavior of road users must change. This means that drivers make the decision not to drive if alcohol or other drugs are involved, not exceed the speed limit or put other road users at risk.
Authorities should also take a look at Cayman Islands driver’s license qualifications. In particular, they should review the criteria for issuing a driver’s license (minimum age for a first-time driver’s license, content of the driving test and requirements to pass the test) and the process for transferring a driver’s license from other jurisdictions to Cayman (as the jurisdiction the driver comes from may have lower driving standards than Cayman). Higher penalties for drivers may also need to apply, especially if drugs or speed are contributing factors in an accident.
