A horrific traffic fatality over the weekend has left a man dead, a Honda Accord car split in two and a lamp pole broken in half.

The country’s traffic fatality count now stands at 21 after the accident on Sir Milo Butler Highway.

According to Superintendent Ken Strachan, the accident happened around 6:00 a.m. Sunday when the driver, who was the only occupant in the 2004 Honda Accord, was travelling north on that road when he lost control of the vehicle.

“He collided with a BEC (Bahamas Electricity Corporation) utility pole on the western side of the thoroughfare,” he said. “As a result of the impact the vehicle was split in two, the rear of the vehicle was left along the shoulder of the road and the front ended up a distance through the bush.”

When Defence Force rescue crews arrived on the scene, Supt. Strachan said the man, a resident from the Grove area, was still strapped behind the wheel.

Upon removing him from the car, Supt. Strachan said the officers tried various life saving procedures, all of which proved fruitless.

“Obviously, based on the extent of the damage to this vehicle speed played a factor,” he added. “You would note just some three short weeks ago; we had a similar mishap here on this very same highway, just a few hundred yards up the street, where two young adult males lost their lives tragically while they were travelling in the same direction.

“We advise members of the public, especially those who let other people drive their car, to ensure their competency and ensure they understand that speed kills. We are asking you to slow down.”

Supt. Strachan said in order to prevent incidents like this from happening; the police have intensified their road speed checks to encourage motorists to stay within in the speed limits.

“Slow down and live,” he warned.

Sixteen of the 21 traffic fatalities were recorded in New Providence.