Vehicle check points are a key part of Operation Winter Guardian efforts to help curb poor driving behaviours.

As Christmas Day approaches, the RCIPS will maintain its road enforcement operations, increased community foot patrols and high visibility mobile patrols across the islands as part of the RCIPS’ annual holiday safety operation.

Officers have been conducting regular visits to retail locations, to provide reassurance and crime prevention advice to business owners, and to monitor activities generally.

“The community has responded positively to our focus on proactive efforts,” says Chief Superintendent Brad Ebanks, “and we are continuing this focus to bring in the New Year. The focus continues to be on personal safety, community assurance, high visibility and ensuring safer roads. Our officers will continue to be out to support the public and businesses as commercial opening hours are extended.”

The RCIPS is reminding the public to take their own precautions as well. With thefts from vehicles still a recurring issue, it remains important to ensure you do not leave any valuables clearly visible inside your vehicles when unattended. If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, it’s best to place them out of the site of opportunist persons.

Road safety continues to be a major focus of the campaign, with officers conducting regular vehicle check points and mobile patrols to help curb poor driving behaviours, particularly speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving.

Since Winter Guardian began on 8 December, 9 persons have been arrested for DUI, which is a lower number than generally seen in previous years. In one case, officers observed a man who appeared to be using his mobile phone while driving and driving erratically. The officers detected alcohol on his breath, however he refused a roadside breath test, which led to his arrest. 

The owner of a bar on Eastern Avenue receives an Arrive Alive 345 information packet from PC Stewart.

Despite the low DUI numbers however, there have been a high number of motor-vehicle collisions during the period. Officers have responded to 143 collisions, ranging from mostly minor fender benders, to some collisions with more serious damage. However there have been no serious injuries reported.

“While we are pleased that the public generally seems to be refraining from drinking and driving, we are still concerned with the high number of collisions we have been seeing during this period,” says Chief Supt. Ebanks. “Although most of these do not appear to have been as a result of DUI, we are seeing a number of persons who continue to speed, use mobile phones, or otherwise drive while distracted. We encourage the public to report suspected drunk driving, as this may prevent a more serious incident from occurring.”

So far during the operation there have been 41 prosecutions for speeding, 20 for driving while not wearing a seatbelt, and 14 for using a mobile phone while driving. There have also been 12 prosecutions for careless driving and 4 for dangerous driving.

“We continue to remind the public to refrain from these driving behaviors, as distracted driving for the slightest moment can be costly,” Chief Supt. Ebanks adds.  

The RCIPS has also been supporting our partners at the National Drug Council and Compass Media with their annual Arrive Alive 345 campaign. Officers have been assisting in distributing information packages to bars and restaurants, to spread awareness of the Purple Ribbon Pledge, Designated Driver Programme and the Purple Ribbon Bus. The Purple Ribbon Bus service provides a free bus service on New Year’s Eve from 9:00PM to 4:00AM for all districts on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Additionally, the RCIPS encourages drivers to take the Purple Ribbon Pledge to not drink and drive over the holiday season. Visit the National Drug Council for more information. 

With these programmes and other alternative transport options, there is really no excuse for drinking and driving. Although the numbers have been low so far this season, the ideal number is zero. Remember that the legal limit is now 0.07%. This means that even one or two drinks may be enough to put you over the legal limit.

“The key is to be proactive and responsible. When you are going out, don’t just make plans to get where you’re going, ensure you have a plan on how you will get back safely, without driving if you have been drinking,” reiterates Chief Supt. Ebanks.

Planning ahead is also important when attending festive events or otherwise socialising. It’s best to stay with a trusted group of friends, always be aware of your surroundings, and avoid situations that feel unsafe. Be considerate of other persons when participating in late night celebrations as well, particularly in public shared spaces or residential areas.

“Let us all safely and peacefully enjoy the holiday season,” says Chief Supt. Ebanks. “On behalf of the RCIPS and all our staff, I would also like to wish everyone across our Cayman Islands a safe Christmas season.”