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Headlight Horrors! Motorists - unsuspecting accomplices to criminals
Published: Sunday | January 24, 2010
DSP Radcliffe Lewis
Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor
Law-abiding Jamaican motorists are unwittingly fuelling criminal activities and severely hampering police crime-fighting efforts.
According to Traffic Division head, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Radcliffe Lewis, motorists who flash their headlights to warn other road users of speed traps are also alerting criminals of police checkpoints.
"When motorists do this, criminals know we are on the road and escape our dragnets," DSP Lewis told Automotives. "This hampers our effectiveness when carrying out our operations."
DSP Lewis, who assumed the reigns of the Traffic Division in August 2009, said the practice of flashing headlights to warn of police presence on the roads is islandwide and cuts across all ages and strata of society.
"The motorists are doing more harm to themselves than they actually know."Last year, an unprecedented 1,680 Jamaicans died at the hands of criminals while 341 lost their lives in motor vehicular accidents.
The traffic chief said Jamaica's law does not permit the book to be thrown at offenders but strongly discourages the practice.
"Unlike other countries, motorists who are guilty of this practice cannot be charged," DSP Lewis said.
In Australia, the action may result in arrest or may attract a fine as it is seen as obstructing the police.
While the laws of the US vary per state, the action is a violation in Arizona, Maryland and Washington. In Ontario, Canada, the law also prohibits the practice.
DSP Lewis said that while most Jamaican are law-abiding, they are just unaware of the implications of their actions.
"We just have to continuously educate and warn the public of the dangers of their actions," he said.
The officer praised the recently launched Traffic Ban policy which he said was reaping success since its introduction in December 2009. The initiative targets speeding offenders and persons driving under alcohol influence.
"It was designed by the Traffic Management team at (Elletson Road) headquarters," he said. "And, so far, we have issued over 500 tickets and made over 50 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol."The project - the collaborative efforts of DSP Wayne Cameron, DSP Courtney Coubrie, Assistant Superintendent of Police Winston Sutherland, Inspector Gary McKenzie and himself - ensures that police traffic personnel are on the road in full force operating on two shifts islandwide.
"We are committed to make the roads safe despite the daily challenges," he said.
And, for the 'flashers':
"Please desist from this and help us to help you."
[email protected]
Know the numbers
35 - If a motorist is breathalysed and his/her alcohol reading is over the 35-microgram limit, that person is then arrested and charged.
12- A drunk driving conviction attracts a 12-month suspension of licence and up to $100,000 in fines.
Published: Sunday | January 24, 2010
DSP Radcliffe Lewis
Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor
Law-abiding Jamaican motorists are unwittingly fuelling criminal activities and severely hampering police crime-fighting efforts.
According to Traffic Division head, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Radcliffe Lewis, motorists who flash their headlights to warn other road users of speed traps are also alerting criminals of police checkpoints.
"When motorists do this, criminals know we are on the road and escape our dragnets," DSP Lewis told Automotives. "This hampers our effectiveness when carrying out our operations."
DSP Lewis, who assumed the reigns of the Traffic Division in August 2009, said the practice of flashing headlights to warn of police presence on the roads is islandwide and cuts across all ages and strata of society.
"The motorists are doing more harm to themselves than they actually know."Last year, an unprecedented 1,680 Jamaicans died at the hands of criminals while 341 lost their lives in motor vehicular accidents.
The traffic chief said Jamaica's law does not permit the book to be thrown at offenders but strongly discourages the practice.
"Unlike other countries, motorists who are guilty of this practice cannot be charged," DSP Lewis said.
In Australia, the action may result in arrest or may attract a fine as it is seen as obstructing the police.
While the laws of the US vary per state, the action is a violation in Arizona, Maryland and Washington. In Ontario, Canada, the law also prohibits the practice.
DSP Lewis said that while most Jamaican are law-abiding, they are just unaware of the implications of their actions.
"We just have to continuously educate and warn the public of the dangers of their actions," he said.
The officer praised the recently launched Traffic Ban policy which he said was reaping success since its introduction in December 2009. The initiative targets speeding offenders and persons driving under alcohol influence.
"It was designed by the Traffic Management team at (Elletson Road) headquarters," he said. "And, so far, we have issued over 500 tickets and made over 50 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol."The project - the collaborative efforts of DSP Wayne Cameron, DSP Courtney Coubrie, Assistant Superintendent of Police Winston Sutherland, Inspector Gary McKenzie and himself - ensures that police traffic personnel are on the road in full force operating on two shifts islandwide.
"We are committed to make the roads safe despite the daily challenges," he said.
And, for the 'flashers':
"Please desist from this and help us to help you."
[email protected]
Know the numbers
35 - If a motorist is breathalysed and his/her alcohol reading is over the 35-microgram limit, that person is then arrested and charged.
12- A drunk driving conviction attracts a 12-month suspension of licence and up to $100,000 in fines.
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