IRRESPONSIBLE use of the roadways and lack of adherence to traffic laws by many drivers continue to be the main causes of accidents, Police Traffic Chief Roland Alleyne told the Government Information Agency (GINA).
The Senior Superintendent of Police reported that, between January 1 and April 15, this year, 54 fatalities resulted from 49 mishaps compared to 44 and 37, respectively, in 2006.
He declared: “These figures are not good. Drivers really need to understand that they must have tolerance towards other drivers and pedestrians. I think these drivers are bent on not adhering to the traffic rules.”
Acknowledging the existing lawlessness, Alleyne said his department continues to focus on its heightened operations which include patrols, more educational programmes and seminars for drivers.
Our operations are ongoing. We just want to warn and remind drivers that speeding doesn’t pay. So far, most of the accidents for the year were the result of speeding. We have to teach these drivers a lesson and they will face the full force of the law when convicted,” he reiterated.
Alleyne said his department will maintain its drive to sensitise the public on the need to obey traffic laws and prevent accidents.
He said, in 2005, there were 180 road fatalities involving 21 children while, for the corresponding 2006 period the statistics were 163 deaths with 20 of them being children.
Eighty of the accidents last year were caused by dangerous driving, Alleyne stated.
He said traffic cops have been enforcing rules and regulations to ensure drivers conform and the department’s resources were boosted.
Earlier this year, they received 13 more motorcycles valued $21.4M to aid in patrolling, GINA noted.
The agency noted, too, that Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee announced that new legislation to address road safety is high on his ministry’s agenda, including the issuance of a fresh set of traffic tickets.