Police targeting drunk drivers

(CNS): Police have said that they will not tolerate drink driving over the holiday period and have joined forces with the National Drug Council (NDC) and local taxi operators to urge all drivers to act responsibly and not drink and drive. The 2008 campaign will see strict, proactive enforcement by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). “Drinking and driving is like playing Russian Roulette,” said Head of the Traffic Management Unit, Courtney Myles.

“All drivers need to be aware that if they drink and drive at best they risk prosecution, at worst they risk injury or death.”

Leaflets and flyers are being distributed to bars and clubs giving contact details of taxi operators so anyone out and about can easily find safe transportation home. Burton Ebanks of Burton’s Taxi and Private Drivers Service is one of the companies onboard with the campaign. “We hope to achieve less accidents and a safer holiday season for all,” he said.

The NDC endorsed the initiative, saying that the council is happy to support all efforts in this area. “Accidents caused by drink drivers are avoidable,” said NDC Prevention Officer, Simon Miller. “We want people to think about their actions by designating a driver or arranging for a taxi – it could save someone’s life.”

Chief Inspector Courtney Myles stressed that the RCIPS takes drink driving extremely seriously. “We don’t tolerate it and will not accept any excuses, including Christmas celebrations and festivities,” he said. “In order to protect road users, motorists should expect heavy enforcement including the use of road blocks and stop checks.”

The message from the RCIPS is clear; if you drink and drive you will be brought to justice. The advice to motorists is simple. Any amount of alcohol can affect your judgment. If you are going to drive, don’t drink a drop.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.