The National Road Safety Committee (NRSC), comprising the National Roads Authority, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing and the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development has issued a united appeal to the community to take care on the road following a sharp increase in traffic collisions and fatalities.

Between December 1 and 8, two lives were lost in road accidents, bringing the year’s total to 11 fatalities from eight motor vehicle accidents. This includes three fatalities since November – a pedestrian, cyclist and a driver involved in a single-vehicle collision.

Recent data indicates that excessive speed and impaired driving are leading causes of serious accidents. Over the past two weeks, motor vehicle collisions have surged to an unprecedented high, with an average of 94 crashes per week—far exceeding the previous average of 66. Approximately seventy percent of these incidents occur in high-traffic areas such as West Bay Road, North Sound Road, Esterley Tibbetts Highway, and Shamrock Road.

In commenting on the issue Chairman of the NRSC Eric Bush stated, “The alarming rise in road traffic accidents and fatalities demands immediate and collective action. Every collision has consequences that ripple through families, communities, and our nation. The alarming rise in road traffic accidents and fatalities demands immediate and collective action. Every collision has consequences that ripple through families, communities, and our nation.”

He further emphasised, “As we approach the holiday season, a time of joy and togetherness, we must reflect on the choices we make behind the wheel. Reckless driving endangers lives and fractures families. We cannot stand by as this trend worsens. I am appealing to every resident across our Islands to take the ‘Road to Zero’ pledge. This is not merely a campaign slogan; it is a commitment to creating a culture of road safety. Let us work together to protect our loved ones and ensure our roads are safe for all. This is a problem we can solve—if we act as one.”

To create safer roads, the NRSC encourages the following:

·         Never drive impaired: Always have a plan to get home safely after consuming alcohol.

·         Obey speed limits: Excessive speed not only endangers you but everyone around you.

·         Avoid distractions: Put mobile phones away and focus on the road.

·         Report unsafe driving: Community vigilance is key to addressing reckless behaviour.

The NRSC recognises that the festive season brings increased activity on the roads, with more vehicles, celebrations, and distractions. This makes the need for vigilance even more critical. Drivers are reminded that failing to exercise care has far-reaching consequences. Accidents not only result in physical harm but also emotional and financial burdens on families and communities.

About the National Road Safety Strategy and NRSC

The National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) oversees the implementation of the strategy and is chaired by the Chief Officer for PAHITD. The committee collaborates with multiple agencies, including the National Roads Authority (NRA), the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), and the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL), to address road safety challenges through data-driven approaches and community engagement.