From RCIPS

This weekend the RCIPS is launching its annual Holiday Safety Campaign, named Operation Winter Guardian. Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols and traffic stops on various roads around the Cayman Islands with the aim of reducing the number of traffic collisions, cracking down on driving under the influence and other traffic offenses, and reassuring road users and the general community through increased police presence. The initiative also involves a public awareness campaign in the media, including appearances on local radio and TV, along with social media posts providing information and safety tips.

“The large number of social events during the holiday season often results in more people driving under the influence, and more serious traffic collisions,” said Acting Chief Inspector Everton Spence. “Our annual holiday safety campaign, together with the anti-drunk driving initiatives of our partners, helps to manage this increased activity and deter drunk driving and other traffic offenses.”

In addition to DUI enforcement, officers will be focusing on offenses such as driving with illegal tint, driving unlicensed and uninsured vehicles, and illegal parking in disabled parking spaces.

As in past years, the RCIPS is also partnering with the National Drug Council to facilitate their annual Designated Driver and New Year’s Eve Purple Ribbon Bus Campaigns. The Designated Driver Campaign, an initiative among local restaurants which offer to provide any designated driver of a party with complimentary soft drinks throughout the evening, began on 1 December and continues throughout the holiday season. The New Year’s Eve Purple Ribbon Bus Service is organized on an annual basis to provide regular, free bus service between West Bay and Bodden Town on New Year’s Eve from 9:00PM to 4:00AM. During those times, occasional service will also be provided to East End and North Side. The service will also be offered in Cayman Brac for the first time this year.

“Last New Year’s Eve, 2016, there were no DUIs recorded. This positive accomplishment comes in large part as a result of these campaigns, and we expect the positive results to continue this year,” said Chief Inspector Spence. “Let’s continue to work together to prevent any tragedies on the road this holiday season.”

Operation Winter Guardian will run from Friday, 8 December, to Monday, 1 January.

IMAGE: Supplied