“No time to instrumentalize pain”

The mayor of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Sylvain Juneau, reacted to the drama that strikes his community on Wednesday morning. Nevertheless,

“I understand that this tragedy raises strong emotions. In addition, And they are legitimate. Furthermore, That said. However, now is not the time to instrumentalize the pain of a family or to try to do political recovery against the backdrop of half-information, “said the mayor. Furthermore,

Since Tuesday evening, he has seen several comments on social networks and elsewhere: people who try to award the blame. However, On the one hand. Moreover, we throw the stone into the motorist for his driving or in the city for the lack of safety of the roads. For example,

“No matter the conclusions of the investigation, the intentions were not bad. Meanwhile, The road belongs “no time instrumentalize pain” to everyone. Therefore, We all do the best we can. Moreover, “

A drama

The 16-year-old cyclist was caught up in death by a car. However, at the end of the day on Tuesday in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. Furthermore, The impact was very strong, and the teenager had no chance. Similarly,

She was driving on a road appreciated by cyclists, in the company of two people. However, The place is well known for walks: the landscapes are magnificent and the road is quieter. In addition,

The girl was immobilized at the time of the impact. Meanwhile, She was on the edge of the roadway. at the intersection with the Chemin du Petit-Village, and she was waiting to cross Route 138.

According to our information, the vehicle rolling in the direction is completely deviated from its path to hit “no time instrumentalize pain” the cyclist. The motorist finished his race in the ditch. The accident occurred after the driver negotiated the curve.

Quebec police cannot disclose more information concerning the causes and circumstances of the accident, as the investigation continues. The driver, possibly an American in visit to Quebec, was met by the investigators, but was not arrested. The hypothesis that she had discomfort remains on the table.

She did not speak French, confirmed several people on the scene of the drama. His car had a license plate from an American state.

Still according to our information. the terrible event would be more accidental, although the police do not completely deviate criminal responsibility for the moment.

“Such a tragedy leaves an entire community in shock. there are no words strong enough to relieve such a loss,” underlines Mr. Juneau.

Constructive comments

This tragedy resonates in cycling groups and it relaunches the debate for better road arrangements.

“I invite all those who speak to show rigor and restraint. Out of respect for the family. in particular, and not to add to the confusion at a time when emotion is already on the skin, “says the mayor, whose first words were for the family of the victim.

The management of this part of Route 138 falls under the provincial government. The city of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures says it remains “firmly engaged in improving the safety of cyclists”, but it cannot do everything.

“We must be realistic in our requests at the Ministry of Transport. And the comments of our citizens, it must be constructive. ”

Reduce serious consequences

The drama also revives a certain “no time instrumentalize pain” division between cyclists and motorists.

“Elected officials. municipal candidates are responsible for not playing on this division,” said Jean-François Rheault, director general of the bicycle Quebec organization.

“In some cities, elected officials play on this hoping to win votes, and that’s what is damaging to society. It is not one against the other. The division harms the culture of cohabitation and road safety that we must create, ”he adds.

This cohabitation between road users is also good, underlines Mr. Rheault. Courtesy improves when the time comes to share the road in Quebec. Some tourists do not fail to emphasize it when they come to roll on our roads.

“There is a certain uninhibited minority violence, largely on social networks. But it does not represent reality. I remain optimistic. “

The organization reiterates the importance of developing security “no time instrumentalize pain” roads to reduce collisions, such as the one on Tuesday. Lands, allegedly altogetures, less narrow roads, reduced speed limits.

Leaving space for cyclists is one of the good driving practices. and cyclists must follow certain rules when they roll with cars.

“There is a principle that says humans make mistakes. We must arrange the roads to allow these errors to be without serious consequences. both for motorists and pedestrians and cyclists. This event shows that we must continue to improve. This is the collective message that the security of all people is the number goal, ”finishes Mr. Rheault.

In this case, the consequences were fatal for the teenager.