Despite low DUI numbers so far this holiday season, police say more than 140 collisions, or about 10 a day, have occurred since the RCIPS began its annual ‘Winter Guardian’ road safety operation on 8 Dec.
At the end of last year’s campaign, police reported there were an average of seven collisions a day.
In an update on its campaign, issued on Friday, 22 Dec., police said arrests for DUIs have been low this year – with just nine people being arrested in the past two weeks for driving while intoxicated.
The RCIPS said those nine arrests was a lower number than generally seen in previous years.
In one case, police said, officers observed a man who appeared to be using his mobile phone while driving and driving erratically. The officers detected alcohol on his breath and he was arrested after he refused a roadside breath test.
“Despite the low DUI numbers however, there have been a high number of motor-vehicle collisions during the period,” police said.
Officers have responded to 143 collisions, ranging from “mostly minor fender benders” to some collisions with more serious damage. There have been no serious injuries reported.
“While we are pleased that the public generally seems to be refraining from drinking and driving, we are still concerned with the high number of collisions we have been seeing during this period,” says Chief Supt. Brad Ebanks.
“Although most of these do not appear to have been as a result of DUI, we are seeing a number of persons who continue to speed, use mobile phones, or otherwise drive while distracted.
“We encourage the public to report suspected drunk driving, as this may prevent a more serious incident from occurring.”
So far during the operation, there have also been 41 prosecutions for speeding, 20 for driving while not wearing a seatbelt, and 14 for using a mobile phone while driving. There have also been 12 prosecutions for careless driving and four for dangerous driving.
“We continue to remind the public to refrain from these driving behaviours, as distracted driving for the slightest moment can be costly,” Ebanks said.
Police say, as Christmas Day approaches, they will maintain their road enforcement operations, increased community foot patrols and high-visibility mobile patrols across the islands.
Thefts from vehicles
Thefts from vehicles continue to be seen, police said, and they urged the public to take precautions to help prevent such break-ins, by ensuring they do not leave valuables visible inside their vehicles when unattended.
“If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, it’s best to place them out of the sight of opportunist persons,” the RCIPS said.
Officers have also been conducting regular visits to retail locations “to provide reassurance and crime prevention advice to business owners, and to monitor activities generally”.
Ebanks said the community has “responded positively to our focus on proactive efforts and we are continuing this focus to bring in the New Year”.
He added that officers would continue “to be out to support the public and businesses as commercial opening hours are extended”.
Arrive Alive 345
The RCIPS said it was supporting its partners at the National Drug Council and Compass Media with their annual Arrive Alive 345 campaign.
Officers have been assisting in distributing information packages to bars and restaurants, to spread awareness of the Purple Ribbon Pledge, Designated Driver Programme and the Purple Ribbon Bus.
The Purple Ribbon Bus service provides a free bus service on New Year’s Eve from 9pm to 4am in all districts on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Drivers are encouraged to take the Purple Ribbon Pledge to not drink and drive over the holiday season.
“With these programmes and other alternative transport options, there is really no excuse for drinking and driving,” the RCIPS said. “Although the numbers have been low so far this season, the ideal number is zero. Remember that the legal limit is now 0.07%. This means that even one or two drinks may be enough to put you over the legal limit.”
Ebanks advised people going out and socialising over the holiday period to “ensure you have a plan on how you will get back safely, without driving if you have been drinking”.
“Let us all safely and peacefully enjoy the holiday season,” he added. “On behalf of the RCIPS and all our staff, I would also like to wish everyone across our Cayman Islands a safe Christmas season.”
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