Six people dying in road accidents in the past three days has prompted the T&T Police Service to issue a media release imploring drivers and pedestrians to be cautious on the roads.
“Whereas the TTPS will continue our efforts to enforce and educate, we continue to plead with all road users, be they drivers, passengers, bicyclists, motor cyclists or pedestrians to use the road with care by practicing road safety courtesy, common sense and consideration at all times,” the release stated.
The latest data from the Records and Statistics Section, Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, of the TTPS, show a road death toll of 129 so far for 2015. This figure comprises of 40 drivers, 33 passengers, 44 pedestrians, 11 motor cyclists and one cyclist.
The release stated: “Although this figure represents an 11 per cent decrease for the same period last year — 145, the continued lack of regard for human life and limb displayed by motorists is a serious cause for concern.”
Aside for the road fatalities, the TTPS has issued more than 43,000 traffic tickets to motorists for various driving offences with an estimated value in excess of TT$43 million.
This figure excludes driving under the influence (DUI) and other traffic offences for which drivers are summarily brought before the courts.
More than 2,300 motorists were arrested and charged for DUI offences yet drivers continue to drink and drive in spite of many cases of alcohol related road fatalities highlighted in the media.
On November 15, the TTPS participated in the global recognition for the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with the walk and ride event hosted by local road safety NGO Arrive Alive to highlight the serious consequences of unsafe road use.
At that event the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Deodat Dulalchan, expressed sincere condolences on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, to the families of those who lost loved ones to road traffic collisions.
ACP Dulalchan appealed to all road users to commit to engaging in safer and more responsible road use as the consequence of selfish, thoughtless and reckless driving often results in death or serious injury.