RCIPS emphasize Road Safety

This past weekend, the RCIPS have dealt with a large number of road violations and responded to numerous vehicle collisions. From Friday 6 August and Sunday 9 August eight persons were arrested on suspicion of DUI, one person for being in charge of a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol and a further two persons were arrested for driving whilst disqualified, bringing the road violation arrests to eleven.

Additionally, several persons were warned for intended prosecution for road violations such as driving without insurance, driving in excess of double the speed limit and other offenses. Just under 35 tickets were issued to persons with the majority being for speeding and illegal tint.

"With the weekend approaching and the impending rainy weather forecasted for the Cayman Islands, it is important that we remind road users to exercise caution," says Inspector Jones of the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit, "The RCIPS will continue its efforts through visibility, enforcement and education to reduce road fatalities and serious collisions, but we need the assistance of the public, to hold each other accountable for their driving behaviours. "If you are diving with someone and they are speeding, tell them to slow down - and remember to drive to the conditions, the speed limit is not a target - particularly when the roads are wet".

Despite the enforcement efforts and the high visibility of the police over the past weekend, during that same time period, police responded to just under 40 reports of vehicle collisions on the weekend, many of which resulted in injuries. Many of these incidents could have been avoided if drivers were not distracted while driving. "Mobile phone usage while driving is a major factor in the cause of the road incidents police are attending. Texting and engaging on phones while driving means drivers are not giving 100% of their attention to the road and the surrounding environment", and that's when accidents happen". Road users can expect increased police presence to deal with these contributing factors to road collisions, says A/Superintendent Brad Ebanks.