RCIPS Issues Reminder to the Public on Speeding and DUI Following Weekend Incidents, 17 September

Following multiple serious traffic collisions over the past few weeks, the RCIPS is issuing a warning and reminder to the public about the consequences of engaging in dangerous driving practices.

Officers have made seven arrests for DUI this past weekend, from Friday, 13 September to Sunday, 15 September. Four of the DUI arrests took place on Sunday night between 7:00PM and 12:00AM. Five of the arrests made came following traffic collisions, include the serious collision which took place in Bodden Town on Saturday night. Several of those arrested were tested and found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.170% and higher, with the highest being 0.236%, over twice the legal limit.

In addition, officers prosecuted 13 persons for speeding offenses during the past four days.

“Each motor vehicle collision is different in its own right,” says Police Inspector Dwayne Jones, in charge of the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit. “But I can unequivocally say that in most cases where there have been fatal collisions or those involving serious injuries, especially at night, driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving (including using a mobile phone while driving) have been contributing factors. One of these factors is dangerous in and of itself, but a combination of any of these may be extremely lethal.”

Speeding fines are calculated based on how fast above the speed limit the offender was travelling, with a charge of $20 being levied for every single mile per hour above the speed limit. This means that, if caught travelling at 50 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone, you will be charged $200. This fine is doubled in school zones, so if caught doing 25 miles per hour in a 15 mile per hour school zone, you will be facing a fine of $400.

On the other hand, being caught driving under the influence means you will lose your license for a minimum of one year.

“People are often shocked when they find themselves faced with a fine of several hundred dollars,” Inspector Jones says. “However, these fines are easily avoidable if you simply follow the law. Pay attention to your speed and pay attention to the road signs so you know how fast you should be going, especially within a school zone. Make a plan for getting home if you’re going out drinking. Simply following these steps can save you significant unwanted expense, the inconvenience of losing your license, and maybe even help save a life.”