by Linda Straker
- Zero-tolerance approach to driving under influence of alcohol and other drugs
- Breathalyser test will be conducted on suspected offenders
- Carnival period 2023 saw 10% increase in traffic offences as compared to 2022
The Traffic Department has reported an increase in offences, including providing false names and addresses, during the period of July/August 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
“During the carnival period we had a 10% increase in 2023 as compared to 2022, it is quite concerning that many motorists are not adhering to traffic rules and regulations,” Corporal Troy Paul announced during a news conference on 25 July.
Corporal Paul did not specify whether the violators are visitors to the country using rental vehicles, family and friends’ vehicles, or if they are solely nationals disregarding the law.
“These offences include driving without a licence, driving an unlicenced and uninsured motor vehicle, failing to wear seatbelts, defective tyres, driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding the speed limit, failing to comply with signs and road safety rules, providing false name and address to a police officer, using mobile devices while driving — to name a few,” said Corporal Paul who is attached to the Traffic Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).
The news conference was called so the RGPF can inform the general public about measures that will be adopted for the 2024 carnival season. “Some of these same offences are responsible for a number of accidents on our roads,” said Paul, who pointed out that there was a 3% decrease in vehicle accidents for the same period.
“We are therefore working to achieve a greater reduction for that same period in 2024,” said Paul as he outlined some of the major causes of accidents on the roads. He said these include distracted driving, including the use of mobile devices, fatigue driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, failing to comply with traffic rules and signals and tailgating.
He disclosed that the Traffic Department has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the issue of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. “A breathalyser test will be conducted once someone is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
