TRAFFIC Chief Hugh Denhert yesterday said he is very concerned with the spate of road accidents, and not only fatal accidents.

He told this publication that speeding, coupled with drunk driving, is a deadly combination and he wants those found culpable of such to come to the realisation that the police are out there and they have stepped up their enforcement exercise.

Denhert added that some drivers are speeding, failing to stop when they should, and with rainy days it is advisable to drive more carefully as vehicles take a longer time to come to a halt on wet, slippery roads.

The Traffic Chief also urged all categories of road users to be on the lookout for each other, including pedestrians.
Denhert said defensive driving should be the motto of every driver, and wise decisions should be made, since we have to ultimately face the consequences.

He encouraged all road users to be alert and remain focused, and try not to drive and multi-task, which may cause us to be inattentive and that may result in an accident or worse.

The Traffic Chief said, “Be on the lookout for each other, because it is the only way we can make the roads safer.”

He disclosed that speeding, drunk driving and inattentiveness remain the leading contributors of road accidents and fatalities.

The fatality figures, according to Police Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, reveal that this year there were 135 road accidents, with 146 fatalities, including 15 children.

While for the corresponding period last year they tallied 103 road accidents, with 112 deaths, including 10 children.

(By Michel Outridge)