A former head of the Police accident investigation unit told a trial of man accused of causing death by dangerous driving that twilight was the most dangerous part of the day for drivers.

Former Chief Inspector Roger Kendall was giving evidence in the Supreme Court trial of 48-year-old Donald Blake, of Hamilton Parish, who is accused of causing death by dangerous driving.

Travis Smith, 26, died in the accident, outside Terceira's Service Station, Devonshire, on July 6, 2006. The accident happened between 8.44 p.m. and 8.48 p.m. twilight.

Yesterday Mr. Kendall said driving at twilight "was the most dangerous time of the day".

He added: "When darkness falls the eyes are normally fully adjusted. During twilight the eyes have no clear reference point as items appear to blend into the horizon, particularly where dark clothes are involved."

Defence lawyer Mark Pettingill said the motorbike being driven by Mr. Smith at the time of the accident had no lights. "What would you say to the visibility?" he asked.

In response Mr. Kendall said: "It would make it extremely difficult to see a motorcycle unless the rider was wearing something reflective."

Earlier the court heard that in a witness statement taken on December 8, 2006, Blake told Police he indicated right to pull into the gas station and that he checked the western lane was clear before crossing the carriageway. He said his car lights were on because it was getting dark.

Blake told Police even though a taxi had stopped inside the entrance to the gas station there was still enough room to make the turn.

He said that once he had stopped behind the taxi he heard a bang, pulled on his handbrake, got out of the car and saw a bike lying on its side. A breath test at the scene was negative.

The court also heard that Mr. Smith was exceeding the speed limit when the accident happened and two witnesses also alleged he was travelling faster than 70 kph when his Honda Sonic crashed into Blake's Suzuki Swift.

The prosecution accepts Mr. Smith was speeding, but said the accident took place in the westbound lane in which he had right of way.

The case, before Puisne Justice Charles-Etta Simmons, continues today.