Late-night collision highlights traffic safety concerns in San Pedro

A late-night collision between a taxi and a parked golf cart on Backa Town Street has brought renewed attention to traffic safety in San Pedro. The incident occurred shortly before 10:30PM on Sunday, September 20th. No injuries were reported, but both vehicles sustained damage.
According to initial reports, a blue minivan taxi was traveling south when its driver lost control and struck an unoccupied green golf cart parked in front of D’s Store. The taxi’s front bumper was damaged, while the golf cart sustained damage to its front bumper, left wheel and right headlight. The circumstances that caused the driver to lose control remain unconfirmed.
The collision points to a concern familiar to island drivers: vehicles parked along narrow streets can leave less room to pass, particularly at night. Motorists traveling between central San Pedro and areas farther south use Backa Town Street. A parked golf cart along that route can make it harder to navigate the street when traffic is moving in both directions.
Roadside parking also raises questions about where golf cart owners can safely leave their vehicles. While owners may park close to homes or businesses for convenience, a cart left beside a busy street can be exposed to passing traffic. Residents have also expressed concern about theft when carts are left outdoors overnight.
“It’s a reminder that we all need to slow down after dark,” said a resident who saw the aftermath of the collision. The resident urged golf cart owners to think carefully before leaving their vehicles along the roadside, citing the risks of both accidents and theft. Police have likewise asked owners to avoid roadside parking where possible.
The collision caused property damage, but no injuries were reported. It is another reminder for drivers to control their speed and stay alert on San Pedro’s streets, especially after dark, and for vehicle owners to consider how roadside parking affects other road users.
No charges had been filed at the time of reporting. Traffic officers and police said they plan to increase nighttime and weekend checkpoints in the coming weeks.