In the wake of recent road traffic fatalities, persons are being urged to exercise greater caution when on the nation’s roads.

According to the TTPS, there have been 14 fatalities in the last six weeks, including nine pedestrian deaths.

Additionally, it says the road death figure for 2023 now stands at 80 compared to 74 for the same period last year, representing an 8% increase.

The TTPS says continues to observe an “errant and irresponsible” culture among the driving and pedestrian population.

TTPS Road Traffic Safety Coordinator, Sergeant Brent Batson, says data suggests that drivers have migrated their speeding habits to main roads without care or consideration to other road users.

He says of the nine recent fatalities involving pedestrians, two occurred on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, one on the Priority Bus Route and six on main roads.

He added that the statistic of 67% of the road traffic deaths involving pedestrians occurring along the main roads with 50 kilometre per hour speed limits was “worrisome,” as road traffic collisions involving pedestrians at such speeds were generally associated with non-fatal injuries.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Branch, Clint Arthur advised that under his command for 2023, traffic officers have issued 5,364 speeding tickets and have arrested and charged 416 drivers for DUI related offences.

He also described the arrest rate for drunk drivers as “extremely disturbing” as it indicates over 40 drunk drivers being arrested every month.

He reminds that these are just the drivers caught.

Snr Supt Arthur said, “Drivers need to understand the inherent risk in irresponsible vehicle use which places all road users’ lives in danger. Unfortunately, we recognise that there are some citizens who view our road traffic enforcement efforts as being unrelated to anti-crime efforts, but road policing via traffic enforcement and road check exercises, will continue to be one of the key strategies the organisation uses to reduce all threats to public safety, especially reducing the anguish and pain associated with the unfortunate fatal RTAs.”