THE Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said it will be shifting its spotlight to partygoers during the summer.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Calvin Allen, head of the JCF’s Traffic Division, they will be launching several night operations focusing on party spots in the Corporate Areas and other sections of the island.
“We are targeting motorist heading to and from parties and other entertainment events. We are doing breathaliser testing, checking for defective vehicles, among other things,” he told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.
A raft of events are slated to take place islandwide during the summer. These include Reggae Sumfest in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay; Dream Weekend in Negril; Flex Week in the Corporate Area and Portmore; French Men in St Ann; and SPF in St Ann.
“We are urging operators and owners of motor vehicles to get them in order before going on the road. We will be checking for a lot of faults, including bad tyres, poor braking, and steering system. Too often are we seeing accidents; persons losing their lives because of careless driving and defective vehicles,” said SSP Allen.
The lawman said he is encouraging partygoers desist from consuming alcoholic beverages and getting behind the steering.
“Don’t drink and drive. Get a designated driver. Also, parents it is better to drop off your children at these parties and pick them up back, instead of just throwing the keys to them,” he said.
Since the start of the year, 215 road fatalities have occurred.
— Simone Morgan-Lindo
