For this year 37 people were killed in road traffic accidents compared to 27 for the same period last year, representing an increase of 37 per cent.
And the leading causes have been speeding and drunk driving.
So said acting Supt Mathura Singh, of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, while speaking at yesterday’s weekly press briefing at the Police Administrative Building, Port-of-Spain.
He said drivers who failed to comply with the laws have also lost their lives on the nation’s roads.
Central Division, Singh added, had been identified as the area with the most deaths thus far, tallying 12 for the year to date.
“That divisional commander, together with the Traffic Branch, have stepped up patrols and our diligence in this area,” Singh said.
On Tuesday Gerald La Touche, husband of Diego Martin Councillor, Gail La Touche, died on impact on the Diego Martin Highway.
Asked the factors for the increase in road deaths Singh said the Police Service was still analysing its data which showed there was an increase in road deaths on the minor roads as opposed to the major ones, like the highways.
He said, however, there had been a reduction in pedestrian deaths due to a heightened campaign undertaken by the Police Service.
Singh said for 2016, 561 drivers have been arrested and charged for driving under the influence.
Also 8,321 traffic tickets have been issued to errant drivers for the year, averaging over 100 tickets being issued daily.
Sending a stern message to drivers bent on breaking the law over the Easter weekend Singh said: “We will be engaging in heightened patrols and enforcement activities across the country utilising all of our resources.
“For those drivers who may think they will be drinking and driving be forewarned that the DUI Task Force will be out in full force conducting breath tests at popular locations including but not limited to Ariapita Avenue, Maracas Beach, Caura River, Chaguaramas, Toco and in Tobago,” Singh said.
On the issue of the long awaited speed guns Singh said while the law was already in place, ministerial approval was yet to be granted.
“On our last check we were hoping to get it before the Easter weekend but unfortunately this did not materialise,” Singh added.
Challenges
The Motor Vehicle Authority (MVA) which was supposed to be fully operational in September 2014, has been identified by Singh as a major challenge facing the Traffic Branch.
The MVA, with a price tag of $750 million, was expected to replace the existing Licensing Division.
“The MVA is important to us to get the road traffic situation under control. I know the ministry is dealing with it but we need it like yesterday,” Singh said.