Beginning this Friday, 22 October, the RCIPS will be shifting the focus of its ongoing traffic enforcement operations, under the name Operation Quaker, and targeting night time speeding and drunk driving especially where serious traffic incidents have been occurring.

This renewed focus of Operation Quaker will consist of increased police presence and traffic enforcement at known hot spots, including speeding enforcement at various locations, along with vehicle checkpoints, and high-visibility patrols. The public should be aware that police officers will be prosecuting all traffic offenses, particularly speeding and DUI, throughout the weekends.

“Despite our efforts, we continue to see irresponsible and dangerous driving behaviors, particularly motorists ignoring speed limits, and passing other vehicles in inappropriate situations.  These actions result in not only putting their own lives at risk, but that of their passengers and other road users,” says Superintendent Brad Ebanks.

“Within a very short period this year there has been two fatal accidents on South Church Street. This is 30 MPH road, and rightly so when considering the narrow lanes and multiple hazards including driveways, trees and intersecting roadways that can impede motorists’ visibility and ability to react quickly when needed. This road is characteristic of many roads in Cayman, where dangerous driving is especially risky and irresponsible, putting all road users in danger”.

“When we attend major traffic incidents or someone loses their life as a result of a fatal collision, speeding and/or driving under the influence are almost always a contributing factor,” says Inspector Dwayne Jones, head of the Traffic & Roads Policing Unit. “It’s also important to remember that motorists are not the only road users, and to consider the heightened risk dangerous driving presents for the more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, runners, walkers and children – especially on roads where there are no sidewalks to utilise.”

The public are reminded that the penalty for speeding is a fine of $20 for every mile per hour over the speed limit you are found to be travelling. If the total fine exceeds $500 dollars, you will have to attend court, and, on conviction you are liable to have your license suspended for a minimum of 12 months, along with the fine.

The legal blood-alcohol limit in the Cayman Islands is 0.100%. If you are breath-tested and found to have a blood-alcohol content at or exceeding this amount you will be subject to arrest. Upon conviction you are liable to a fine of $1,000, and will lose your driver’s license for a minimum period of 12 months. The penalties increase if you have previous DUI convictions.

“Not only do these offenses risk your life and the lives of those around you, they also carry stiff penalties when you are caught,” says Chief Inspector Malcolm Kay of Specialist Operations. “More importantly, if you are the cause of a fatal or serious collision, your life will be permanently affected from almost every perspective. We appeal to everyone to slow down and not to drink and drive – don’t put yourself in a position where you have to face the consequences.”