Authorities Target Drunk Driving Across Belize Ahead of Christmas

Christmas is here, and the celebrations are going strong, but so are the warnings. Authorities are urging drivers to stay safe on Belize’s highways because, every year, the holiday season comes with a tragic side: deadly road accidents. Just last December, ten lives were lost in a horrific three-vehicle crash. This year, the Ministry of Transport isn’t taking chances. Highway patrols and wardens are stepping up enforcement, cracking down on drunk driving and other violations. The message is simple, if you’re drinking, don’t drive. We spoke with C.E.O. Chester Williams about the nationwide push to keep our roads safe during the holidays.

 

On the Phone: Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport

“I can say to you that over the past few weeks we have stepped up our enforcement efforts. You would see that in the evening time and on weekends, we have our wardens all over the country doing operations, targeting those motorists who have the propensity of committing infractions. We have been able to make a number of arrests for driving under influence and other offenses. And so over the weekend, again, we will control our efforts. We do understand that this is the yuletide season and many people will use this time of the year to consume alcohol while traversing on our highways. And we have to ensure that we make our highways here for our road users. So we’ll be targeting those persons who are consuming alcohol and driving on our road wheels. So I would see for them. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. If you’re going to drive, then don’t drink. Because we will be out there and I’m sure that the police department will also be out there in full force doing their part as well to ensure that we keep our roadways safe.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So that will look like increased checkpoints or patrols across the country.”

 

Chester Williams

“Yes, you’ll see our highway patrols and our checkpoints on the highways doing enforcement. If it is that you get held up in a line for a little. Just be patient. It’s a matter is a part of our effort to ensure that your time on the highway is safe.  That essentially means that these officers will, these traffic officers even will be on duty during the holidays. It’s a sacrifice they have to make.  It’s a nature of our work. Yeah. While others are enjoying themselves, then we have to be working. That’s how it goes. It’s a commitment that we made when we decided to do the work that we do.”