Police Division Six has recorded a 16 per cent decrease in traffic offences for 2023 thus far when compared to the same period last year.
A total of 166 accidents were recorded from January 1 to November 1 this year – a decrease of 32 from last year.
As of this time last year, the Traffic Department in Region Six had filed 4113 cases against errant road users but for this year, some 11,000 cases were filed, which represents an almost 300 per cent increase.
These figures were released by Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus during the launch of Road Safety Month in the region last week.
Bacchus explained that the Traffic Department will be engaging in a strategic type of policing for the remainder of the month as the Department seeks to reduce carnage on the roadways.
For the year so far, 20 persons have lost their lives due to accidents, with 11 being motorcyclists.
However, at the Road Safety Month launch on Friday last, Bacchus stated that several campaigns will be undertaken for the remainder of the year. These include public education awareness.
During this new campaign, errant road users and unlicensed drivers will be targeted. “We want to encourage all to use the road in a safe manner, remember the five Cs, and be cautious to others,” the Commander in an invited comment said.
A car that was involved in a fatal accident
Ensuring that the Traffic Department stays on top of the situation, Commander Bacchus said things will not be done in the same way all of the time.
An accident involving an electric bike user
“We find that the traffic ranks go out on the roadways and frequent one particular location, errant drivers commit violations away from where those traffic ranks frequent. So we will be having traffic ranks throughout the region and not only on the major roads but also on other roads where incidents would have been reported in the past.”
He further stated that it is evident that there are more motorcyclists using the region’s roadways and as such, urged them to be very careful.
“Control your speed and ensure you arrive alive and well, ensure that you wear your safety helmets, those who are travelling in vehicles be it public or private ensure that you buckle up. This is not only for when using the roads in Region Six but when using the roads in any other region.
