Basseterre, St. Kitts, December, 04, 2015 (RSCNPF): A traffic accident Wednesday (December 02) in Saddlers that resulted in the hospitalisation of one person, and another on West Independence Square Street, and one last week on Wellington Road in Basseterre, has raised the concerns of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Traffic Department head, Inspector Carl Caines.
“This time of year brings an increase in traffic on our roads, and with the increased traffic, comes the possibility for more traffic accidents,” said Inspector Caines as he echoed his observation.
He said his department has seen an increase in traffic accidents in the recent weeks. He urged motorist and pedestrians to exercise greater caution as they traverse the Federations roads, in particular during the busy Christmas and Carnival Season.
According to the traffic department statistics, there has been an increase in road accidents so far for the period September to December, when compared to the same period in 2014. Two hundred and sixty eight (268) motor vehicle accidents have been reported for the quarter thus far on St. Kitts compared to 224 for the same period last year.
The traffic Head said, “drivers should exercise caution, limit distractions while driving and observe speed and other traffic signs and regulations. All it takes is one distraction, a sweet conversation, a driver on a cellphone or some other distraction, or a pedestrian not paying attention on the roads for an incident to happen. If both drivers and pedestrians are alert, the risk goes down, and the possibility for an accident diminshes,” he said.
Inspector Caines also reiterated for drivers some of the rules of the road, “Drivers are also reminded that it was an offence to leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident,” and added, the requirement for driving in the Federation. “Since many nationals and visitors will be on island for the Christmas and Carnival season, I also want your help in reminding them, that they must have a valid St. Kitts and Nevis drivers license, or a valid driver’s licence and a local permit in order to operate a vehicle in St. Kitts and Nevis. No permit is required for OECS Nationals with a valid license from their home country.”
Inspector Caines also noted, that when the Carnival season gets into full swing, parking and other traffic restrictions will be outlined, and solicits the public’s cooperation.