In a recent interview with Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Eleuthera District, Police Superintendent Christopher Wright, he highlighted that he has seen a notable increase in the number of motor vehicle road accidents in Eleuthera in 2015, with the count to date standing at 57 so far for the year (Spanish Wells – 5, North – 10, Central – 27, South – 15).

70% of these accidents, he stressed, resulted in injuries to persons which needed to be referred to the capital, and 50% of them caused serious injuries resulting in the need for airlift to hospitals in New Providence.

Local medical services are being heavily taxed across the island, the OIC pointed out, with accidents happening almost every other day and doctors, nursing staff and ambulance services being called out at all hours of the day and night.  “We must bear in mind that we have a limited number of medical personnel, and it is particularly taxing on weekends”, said Wright.

“While we have seen only one fatality for the year, which is still one too many, it is now a concern to the Police, and we want to alert the members of public to the speed limits across the island.  The speed limit on all of the major highways across the island is 45 miles per hour (mph); where there are no traffic signs, the speed limit is automatically 25 mph; in the settlements and at school zones the speed limit is 15 mph; and for trucks on the highway the speed limit is 30mph”, emphasized Superintendent Wright.

He added that the Police will also place a major focus on people in government and company licensed vehicles who are driving with excessive speed, commenting that there have been incidents where such vehicles have even overtaken the Police as well as local residents.  “I sound the alarm; that will be a no- no, and people will now be ticketed for dangerous and reckless driving”, stated Wright.

He reminded the public to use their signals when driving, particularly when making turns and overtaking.  He also warned drivers not to overtake around curves, saying that is where they are seeing the majority of accidents happening.

The Superintendent also called on owners of Self-Drive (SD) vehicles renting to locals, visitors and tourists to pay special attention to the state of the tires on their vehicles, saying, “We have noticed that the majority of accidents with SD’s have tires that are balding and worn, resulting in a major problem when brakes are applied, causing the vehicle to slide and the consequent collision.”  Wright also warned SD owners that vehicles being rented should be outfitted with spare tires and jacks, stating, “When these persons get blow outs early in the morning, or late at night, they have to call the Police to render assistance when they cannot get anyone else. “

Wright heavily emphasized, “Driving under the influence of alcohol will not be tolerated.  We have noticed that people who are involved in these serious accidents seem to be intoxicated.  From now on, we will be taking blood samples to determine if that is so, and if found in breach, people will be prosecuted.”

“We also note that persons have been involved in serious accidents where they have run off the road at night and they don’t report the matter and move their vehicles without reporting to the Police.  That is a traffic offence.  So if we find this has happened and locate the persons involved, they will be prosecuted”, added the OIC.

Superintendent Wright also sought to remind the public about the importance of wearing seatbelts, saying, “Although it may sometimes be uncomfortable, they save lives.  All persons found in breach of the road traffic laws, will be ticketed and prosecuted.  I urge residents to take heed and be cautious while driving on the busy streets of Eleuthera.”  He also warned that there will be an increase in Police road checks.

The Superintendent emphasized that all of these warnings applied to Police Officers as well, while driving both Police Force and private vehicles.