The officer leading the latest road safety awareness drive says he is disappointed with the results from the first six days of the campaign.

Between 30 November and 5 December a total of 7 (seven) people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence; 22 (twenty-two) people were found not to be wearing seatbelts; 15 (fifteen) were fined for using their cell phones while driving and 32 (thirty-two) tickets were issued for speeding. In addition, 36 (thirty-six) tickets for other traffic offences were issued.

Road crashes are also still a real concern with an average of 6 (six) collisions being reported to police every day.

“Road safety is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week priority for the RCIPS”, said Superintendent Adrian Seales. “Throughout the year we issue repeated advisories to drivers to remind them of the steps that they can take to stay safe, and keep others safe,  on the roads. The Christmas and New Year season is historically a time when people think more about the ongoing festivities than safety – that’s why we launch this important annual public information campaign.  It’s the time of year where people drink more than usual and, instead of taking the sensible options of designating a driver or taking a cab, they drive.

“Despite our public warnings that we would be maintaining our zero tolerance approach on the roads people still choose to ignore what we are saying. Well, seven people now face the prospect of losing their licenses for drink driving and dozens more face hefty fines for speeding, not wearing seatbelts and using their cell phones while driving.

“If this blatant disregard for road safety continues then another family may face the prospect of losing a loved one on Cayman’s roads. To each and every driver who ignores the rules of the road, or wrongly believes that when they leave the bar they are sober enough to make good driving decisions, I would pose this question – will that family be yours?”

The Stay Alive road safety drive will continue until Friday 4 January 2013. The campaign is supported by radio PSAs, cinema advertising and TV PSA’s in conjunction with our various media partners.