TEN PERSONS have lost their lives so far for this year, police said in a statement on Thursday. Of that number, seven were recorded at the end of January 2016, in comparison with five fatalities from five accidents for the same period in 2015, an increase of 40%. There have been decreases in the other categories of traffic accidents comprising serious, minor and damage.

According to the police, pedestrians have been the main category of road users affected so far in road fatalities, with four such persons having lost their lives at the end of January 2016. In addition, one pedal cyclist, one driver, and one pillion rider also lost their lives.

Speeding has been the major contributory factor to fatal accidents, having been the cause of four of the seven fatal accidents at the end of January 2016. Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 6,012 cases being made against errant motorists for this year, at the end of January 2016; of this total, 2,566 cases were for speeding, 304 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 84 for using cell phone while driving, and 199 for failing to wear seat belt.

Up to Wednesday, a total of three persons had lost their lives from three fatal accidents in February. The Police Traffic Department is urging that all persons use the roadways in a manner that is cognisant of the five Cs – Care, Consideration, Caution, Common Sense and Courtesy.

The Traffic Department has intensified its enforcement activities, with special focus on speeding and driving under the influence; in addition to other offences, such as driving motor cycles without safety helmets and using cell phones while driving a motor vehicle.