Two in Three Crashes Linked to Alcohol; Police Urge Families to Step In

According to the National Forensics and Science Services, two out of every three traffic accidents in the country are because of people driving under the influence of alcohol. And if the data is not convincing enough, ASP Stacy Smith delivered a strict warning to motorists and their relatives. Smith contends that real change will only come when society seriously condemns people for driving under the influence of alcohol. She implores the nation to take stock and to hold their loved ones accountable for their benefit and that of their loved ones. Here is how she puts it.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“The message I will not just limit to party goers, but to relatives. It is until our society decides to take a definitive step in condemning persons who engage in excessive drinking and those who drive after drinking, that we will see real change. We know our relatives our going out on a night in town, asking them what mechanisms they have in place to ensure that if they should drink to the level that their bodies are impaired then they will be able to make it home safely. It is everybody’s concern. Everybody has to look out for each other. We must be our brother’s keeper. The Belize Police Department will do our part. We will be out there on the road and conducting the necessary operations. I have been advised that legislative steps are being made to increase the penalty and entire regime as it relates to driving under the influence. The hope is for it to be elevated in terms of the fine as well as the imprisonment factor.”