The Easter holiday period has traditionally been a time of increased roading activity across the islands. The RCIPS has chosen the upcoming Easter holiday period to kick off the first of what will be a number of targeted road safety campaigns over the course of the year, that aim to reduce serious injury and fatalities on our roads. These operations are being conducted in conjunction with the National Road Safety Strategy, ‘Safe Roads, Safe Cayman: The Road to Zero.’
Commencing Friday, 22 March, through to Friday 5 April, RCIPS will be conducting high visibility policing initiatives and traffic enforcement across the islands, focusing on persistent road safety offences and poor driving behaviours, including speeding, DUI, inconsiderate and distracted driving.
While police focus on these primary road safety offences, the campaign will have a wider reach, including partner agencies such as DVDL and the Public Transport Dept, who will be targeting un-road-worthy vehicles and un-safe loads.
“We know Easter is a special time of year, here in the Cayman Islands, where families and friends come together, commuting from district to district to socialize, while visitor numbers are up”, says Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks. “This is why the officers will be out in numbers over this period; proactively focusing on those that demonstrate disregard for the law and endanger other road users. The main objective here is not to prosecute persons, but rather create safer roads for everyone. Motorists tend to do the right thing when they know police officers are out and about.”
Policing efforts will target known hot spots and times of day/night where poor driving behavior is most prevalent. “The community can expect to see increased police visibility on the roads over the length of the campaign”, says Inspector Andre Tahal, Head of Traffic and Road Policing. “Ultimately, our enforcement efforts are about keeping our roadways safe. Persons can play their part in supporting police efforts by not drinking and driving, slowing down and being considerate of fellow road users. And passengers, you have a role to play too - call out unsafe driving behavior when you see it”.
RCIPS continues its commitment to promoting road safety, especially during periods of increased road activity, as we work with our partners in government to support the National Road Safety Strategy.