THE police Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam, disclosed Tuesday that as at March 26, 2015, the police have recorded 15 road accidents; a 42.3% decrease compared to 2014, when 26 accidents were tallied.He added that 28 road accidents were recorded by the Traffic Department in 2014, and the 22 recorded this year represent a decrease of 21.4% in the 2014 figure.

Amsterdam pointed out that five children lost their lives in 2014, while, this year, seven children were killed in road accidents, representing an increase of 40% over the 2014 figure.

He added that, for the period March 26 to March 31, 2015, the police recorded six deaths in four separate road accidents.

Amsterdam disclosed that 28 road deaths have so far occurred this year as a result of recklessness, combined with speeding and drunk driving. He said that some of those fatal accidents occurred because of the increase in social activities, including partying, and that persons still drink and drive. He stressed the need for drivers to be more responsible.

Amsterdam advised that drivers who have had more than three drinks should not drive, but should make alternative arrangements to get home safely, since consuming alcohol has different effects on people, including difficulty driving.

A research has noted that persons between the ages of 15 and 42 years old are most likely to succumb to road accidents. The consequences of someone drinking when he/she has to drive should be taken into consideration, as it can cost the life of that driver and those of innocent others.

As the Police Force continues with its traffic enforcement campaign, statistics reveal that as at March 30, 2015, there has been a total of twenty-seven road fatalities, compared to twenty-eight for the corresponding period last year.

During the period March 22 to 28, 2015, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws. These include the following: Speeding–560 cases; Driving under the influence – 22 cases; Breach of condition of road service licence – 57 cases; Careless driving – 15 cases; Dangerous driving – 12 cases; Failing to wear safety helmet – 06 cases; Failure to wear seatbelt – 39 cases; Prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone – 32 cases; Failure to adhere to a siren – 32 cases.

Twenty-four persons were also charged for soliciting passengers (touting). (Michel Outridge)