Ascension : Police Report
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 25.12.2008 (Article Archived on 08.01.2009)
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the officers in the Ascension Island Police Detachment.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the officers in the Ascension Island Police Detachment.
We sincerely hope that we do not have to spoil anyone’s Christmas or New Year by having to deliver a message to any family or member that a loved one has been killed or severely injured over the holiday period on the roads.
Road deaths are one of the highest causes of death in most countries throughout the world Ascension is no exception. Every year more people are killed on the roads in the USA than were killed in the Twin Towers, at the height of the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland people were twice as likely to be killed on the roads than they were by terrorist action. Certainly, in my old force in the UK there may be four or five murders a year, but ten times that number die on the roads.
In civilised societies, the Police’s primary function is the preservation of life that is why they put so much of their resources into policing the roads, because that is where most deaths occur.
How many times have I heard motorist say “Haven’t you got anything better to do” when traffic law is being enforced. Frankly no, this is where most of the death and injury occurs in most societies.
Its funny we all think we are the worlds best driver and nothing will happen to us, we can’t all be the worlds best driver !
With the above in mind, the Police Department will be instigating a Drink Drive Campaign over the Christmas period. This law also includes people whose ability to drive is impaired through the use of drugs.
The Drink Drive Campaign will take effect from this week to 2nd January 2009.
It will consist of high profile patrolling and advertising. People committing traffic offences or involve in a collision can expect to be breathalysed. The Campaign will consist of using the speed laser to deter speeding motorists, failing to comply with road traffic signs, driving, attempting to drive and in charge of a motor vehicle whilst over the limit. Ensure that your vehicle is operating in compliance with the law, which will not give cause for the police to stop you.
If you get caught it is no one’s fault but your own.
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