Earlier in the news, we told you about the four people who lost their lives in 3 separate traffic incidents.
Well, the police may have prevented more from happening after intensifying their operations on the road. According to ASP Smith, several arrests were made over the weekend.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"Over this weekend I can say that a number of operations have been conducted by the police department which has resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals for various traffic related offenses and issuance of 230 traffic violations tickets. I can also say that we as a department have noted that the weekends and especially those early morning hours over the weekend are the period of time that we see the most incident and our operational efforts have been tailored in that regard. In addition to having stationary checkpoints during those peak times we also have roving checkpoints that are done with a view to deter and detect those persons who may after having a night out on the town would be operating these motor vehicles and we have found that to be one of the cause of these accidents."
Reporter:
"How do you respond to criticism that the police's responses are oftentimes reactive rather than proactive where accidents are concerned?"
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"We have been having consistent checkpoints, this is something that is not new, I don't believe it is tied to the spike. As a matter of fact, strictly speaking, the data suggests that this year, as it relates to fatalities, we have seen a reduction. But not withstanding that there is a reduction, that means our efforts have reduced because any life lost is one life too much and we have been continuing to do the necessary work to equip ourself. We have been collaborating with the Transport Department as you would know just last week just under 30 Transport Officers completed a 3 week training course which was geared towards equipping them with the necessary knowledge to go about and make these arrests and I've been advised that another cohort is commencing another 3 week course. So I will advise that the department as well as the Transport Department has taken with great concern the incidents that have occurred though as I said there is a decrease when compared to last year, there is still an interest to ensure the number of fatalities decrease."
She added that data shows more than half of the accidents that occur involve intoxicated drivers, but that the fault is both on the driver and those that allow them to get behind the wheel while drinking.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"The message I will not just limit to partygoers but relatives because it is not until us as a society decide to take a definitive step in condemning persons who engage in excessive drinking and those who drive after drinking then we will see real change. We know that our relatives are going out on a night out of town, ask them what mechanism they have in place to ensure that if they should drink to the level that their bodies are impaired that they will be able to make it home safely. It is everybody's concern, everybody has to look out for each other, we must be our brothers' keepers. The Belize Police department will do our part, we will be out there on the road, we will be conducting the necessary operations all over the country and I am being advised that legislative steps are being taken to increase the penalty and the entire regime as it relates to driving under the influence."
