Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh has urged motorists to exercise responsibility while consuming alcohol, emphasising that individuals could drink as much as they desire, as long as they remain within legal alcohol consumption limits.
Singh clarified that according to the law, the permissible blood alcohol limit is 35 micrograms. However, he stressed the importance of having a sober companion if one intended to exceed this limit.
“You may imbibe as much as your pocket permits you to do, but you must always be cautious when you get to the alcohol limit. You must have someone that is not yet into the imbibing… so that he will be able to get you back to point B,” Singh stated.
Singh acknowledged that alcohol consumption could lead to confrontational behaviour, emphasising the need for individuals to recognise their limits and remain in control. He questioned the logic of individuals becoming helpless owing to excessive alcohol consumption, especially when it endangers the lives of others on the road.
“When persons are under the influence of alcohol, much of the power they have inside is usually demonstrated… how can you go and consume alcohol to the extent that you are almost helpless? When you do that and your action causes the death of others, how can you explain that?” Singh asked.
Addressing concerns about Police presence affecting local businesses, Singh assured the public that law enforcement would strike a balance between ensuring road safety and not impeding entertainment venues or causing financial losses to business owners.
“We are not going to do enforcement in such a way to cause us [the Police Force] to be looked upon as though we are anti-entertainment, and in such a way that will cause a business to say they are losing business because the Police are always looking to test someone” he affirmed.
Singh reiterated that the Traffic Department’s primary goal is to ensure the safety of all road users while preserving the country’s lively entertainment scene.
Over the past two months, there has been a surge in efforts by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to crack down on driving under the influence (DUI) cases.
A month ago, a total of 33 drivers were arrested and subsequently brought before the court on charges related to DUI. The drivers arrested were apprehended for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, posing significant dangers to themselves and others on the road.
These arrests, according to the Police Force, underscore the significant dangers associated with driving under the influence and highlight the steadfast commitment of the Police Force to maintaining road safety.
