In response to two fatal road accidents occurring within a single day, a high-ranking traffic official has called for more stringent penalties to address reckless driving. Corporal Brendon Sutherland of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that the current fines and regulations are insufficient to deter dangerous driving behaviors, especially as the frequency of severe collisions continues to rise. Sutherland highlighted that many traffic violations, such as driving without due care and attention, are not classified as arrestable offenses, limiting the ability of law enforcement to take immediate action unless dangerous driving is directly observed. He pointed out that some penalties, including the fine for using a mobile phone while driving, are so minimal that they are often disregarded by motorists. However, he cautioned that every traffic ticket issued carries a demerit point, and drivers accumulating 14 points will face license suspension once the system is fully operational. Sutherland urged drivers to adopt safer habits, such as planning journeys in advance, avoiding distractions, and exercising patience, noting that the short travel distances in Antigua and Barbuda make speeding unnecessary. He concluded that a combination of stricter penalties and improved driving practices could significantly reduce the number of road accidents.
Traffic Officer Calls for Tougher Penalties After Two Fatal Crashes
