Authorities target drunk drivers
According to the Minister of Transport, an average of seven Belizeans per month lose their lives in traffic accident, most of which could be saved by a combination of safer driving, better roads and simply by wearing seatbelts. This week the ministry is focussing its efforts on reducing that grim statistic and is taking aim at a major problem associated with the current holiday season.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
The “Safety First” campaign is the latest initiative designed to curb the incidence of road traffic accidents. The six-month exercise will utilise the electronic, print and outdoor media to educate the public on safe driving. Commissioner of Transport, Phillip Bracket, says the first two weeks covering September eighth through the twenty-third will specifically target people who drink and drive.
Philip Brackett, Commissioner of Transport
“That is simply because this is a time of festivities. It is a time when a lot of people will be drinking, and the possibility of people driving is almost certain. So we want to educate the public. We want drivers to be conscious of what is happening, to be conscious that if they indulge in alcohol during this particular period of time that they must not drive. Or if they need to travel, that somebody is there to assist them in driving.”
Brackett says that until the September celebrations are over, there will be a more visible presence of transport and traffic officers on the highways.
Philip Brackett
“Particularly we will be targeting drunk drivers. That is not to say that we will just give everybody else a break. But particularly the Department of Transport and the Police Department and city of Belize will particularly be looking at people who are drinking and driving, because we know the hazard that creates and the lives that may be lost if that occurs.
But while drivers are the ones who are primarily under scrutiny, Minister of Works, Vildo Marin, says that when it comes to traffic, all users of the roadways need to work together.
Vildo Marin, Minister of Works
“But we are asking the public, be courteous when you’re driving. We’re asking the pedestrians as well to be more careful, the cyclist to be more careful. We’re asking the public if you drink don’t drive. If you’re going to party make sure you take somebody who will remain sober, and just slow down. Belizeans need to understand that they need to slow down.”
Belize at its longest point is only a hundred and seventy-five miles long. Across country from east to west could be achieved in about two hours, but increasingly, drivers on the open highway can’t seem to resist the need for speed.
Patrick Jones
“This must be one of the hardest lessons to learn, because this education thing has been going on for years and yet people keep dying on the roadways.”
Vildo Marin
“Well who can you blame Patrick? We have to blame ourselves because people are over speeding on the highways when they know they should be driving fifty-five miles an hour or less. Certainly, we from the government side, and especially from the Ministry of Works, recognize that there are some slippery areas on the Western Highway and we’re doing something about it.”
That something includes a project, expected to start shortly, that will eliminate so called “blind spots” and slippery areas, especially on the Western Highway, and the installation of reflectors to make night driving easier. This project is expected to start next month with funds provided by the Inter-American Development Bank. Marin says another issue that will be looked at seriously, is the importation of vehicles condemned in other countries that end up on our highways.
Vildo Marin
“Certainly, I take note of the concern. We have a Transport Board now with a chairman, we have the Commissioner of Police there, we have a member of the insurance company in there, and certainly I think that what they need to do is come out with are commendations and certainly we from the government side will follow that recommendation. I would hope, and I hope I am not being previous, but I am hoping that indeed we would stop those vehicles from being licensed, as being not roadworthy.”
Patrick Jones for News 5.
Brackett says the Statutory Instrument that will legislate stiffer penalties for traffic offences is currently being drafted and will be ready for the minister’s signature shortly. Cabinet has already given its approval to the increased penalties.
