Police get tough on seat belts

seat beltPolice are taking serious action against motorists who fail to wear their seat belts and motorcyclists who are not wearing protective gear.

In what is being described as a “worthwhile exercise,” police on Wednesday ticketed a number of people who violated traffic laws.

“We need people to exercise good road safety measures and we will help them to help themselves,” Head of Traffic Division, ASP Robertson Laurent, told the media on Wednesday morning. “We prefer charges against some persons as well for not wearing their seat belts…we were not out there doing seat belts alone, we were also looking at the motorcycles and the motorcycle helmets.”

Laurent stated further that police are encouraging motorcycle riders to wear protective gear adding that particulars of motor vehicles, such as licence and insurances are also being checked.

He revealed that since laws are being enforced, a number of people are seen wearing their seat belts.

“That is encouraging and we like to see that,” he said. “We want the people to know that we are not harassing them but we are only enforcing the law. Road safety is everybody’s business and like I said road safety is no accident.”

Recently there have been a number of accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles, some of them fatal.

Officials from the traffic department saw it fit to enforce traffic laws in an effort to encourage drivers to practise good road safety.

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99 Comments

  1. Moin meme
    May 15, 2015

    i have nothing against the seat belt requirement, but given the reason sited for the sudden crack down.
    Here’s my question:
    HOW MANY TRAFFIC DEATHS BY PERCENTAGE HAVE OCCURRED IN DOMINICA BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE NOT USING THEIR SEAT BELTS?

  2. local
    May 14, 2015

    Do the officers in the side car of the police motorcycle has sitbelts (asking) please answer

  3. Ivory...
    May 14, 2015

    Wow, I could see that coming but I guess a bit late because a few got killed or should I say killed themselves out of I am going with the flow!!! When ever one put on a seat belt in the eyes of the ignorant one you are foolish. We know accidents do happen but are mostly caused by carelessness. This law has nothing to do with Police being good or bad but, for our own safety. PLEASE SET A GOAL, $100. TODAY, $200-$500 ATER SIX MONTHS… then after the speed is controlled, THEN regulate the penalty for speeding, seat belts, car seats, helmets and gears most of all driving under the influence, (DUI)..and driving without a valid drivers license and driving an uninsured vehicle.

    We are all creatures of habits!!! therefor this may take some time to sink in but!! there is a saying that, without proper structure society will crumble.

    Then after all is in place, lets all boast our Country for once instead of condemning it, and in hopes that other Caribbean countries will follow. (UNITY)

  4. local
    May 14, 2015

    Driving without a seatbelt should be an offense, but so should driving above the speed limit, driving under influence, with impairment i believe it is called excess of certain limits of alchohol and drugs. It is far more common for accidents to happen on holidays and weekends and late evenings. Police should be vigilant at these times and get tough on all these violations, but i agree they have to start somewhere. Just dont stop there.

  5. soufriere
    May 14, 2015

    Great!! BUT………..when you put things into perspective….makes no sense……..some will be ticketed while others will be ignored cause their vehicle does not have seat belts…….so makes no sense…….should insist all vehicles be fitted with them first. then if you begin doing that you have to stop people riding in trays of pick ups. It has to be a comprehensive approach to amending the laws and enforcing or else you not making any sense. Motorcycles and scooters…..this is where you guys have to begin………clean up our roads of these traffic hazards………wild riding, no helmets, no protective gear, no shoes, no shirt….come on……lets get serious or stop playing games. no licenses either..

  6. Discombobulated
    May 14, 2015

    It’s all good with that step. But seatbelts and helmets are pointless if the blood alcohol level is on rock and roll. We need a balanced look at all avenues relating to accidents. Breath testing kits would be a great investment. And an increased ticket price with a loss of licence is great incentive to stay sober at the wheel / handlebar

  7. Well done
    May 14, 2015

    It’s about time. This must be part of the WHO/UN global effort for road safety. We need to be creative. Several years ago, the Optimist club of Roseau used to implement one of its most popular projects, ‘Respect for Law week’ which among other activities, included a Safety on Wheels program in partnership with the police, visiting schools, holding a safety on wheels event with bicycles etc. for primary students/public. Also on May Day, the club members with Police escorts, distributed safety flyers usually sponsored by First Domestic, at strategic traffic locations to drivers & passengers, sometimes even providing tokens for people who were already buckled up. Several deserving policemen received Optimist Respect for Law awards annually. I am not aware that any other group has done this since. The club also attempted a no phone zone day, patterned on Oprah’s campaign: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/End-Distracted-Driving. That would be something. The police can get partners…

  8. appeal court-student
    May 14, 2015

    reinstatement for zenny,ronald etc

  9. The Facts
    May 13, 2015

    ASP Laurent I was elated to read you have enforced the use of seat belts and helmets for motorcycle riders. These drivers/riders need discipline on the road and to observe road regulations. If this is one way they can obey, so be it. It is necessary for their safety, that of passengers and where applicable, pedestrians.
    I hope you will read all the comments pertaining to this issue. Take note of what is stated which are feasible and enforce the concerns for the safety of all Dominicans.
    Know that, out of everything bad, some good comes out of them. Something better is done and necessary changes occur. There is no doubt that Dominicans are pleased with this change and renewed and escalated enforcement. You have their concurrence. From afar, you have mine. :) Visitors will be pleased.
    God bless you and your officers, especially in this effort to make Dominica a safe country and decrease traffic violations, accidents, injuries and fatalities.

  10. swagger
    May 13, 2015

    Can the police tell me under what section of law that they are charging people under? Is therr any law in dominca that that can be used to charge people for seatbelt.

  11. Positive vibes
    May 13, 2015

    Question. Is there a law in Dominica stating its illegal to ride in or operate a motor vehicle without seatbelt? Before the thumbs down please ask yourselves wether it’s because you reside overseas where such laws exist why you assume it’s law in dominica to. If it’s the law good enforce it and if it is not then pass a bill. Thanks

  12. Outside Looking In
    May 13, 2015

    As we say here in DA – “tou cho, tou flam”
    Let’s see what happens tommorow, and the day after, and afterwards….

  13. help the lady
    May 13, 2015

    oh wow this is goign to make such a big difference . BUT YOU ALL FORGET THAT DOMINICAN DOSENT HAVE ANY RULES OF THE ROAD YOU ALL THINK WEARING A SEATBELT GOING TO STOP DOMINICANS FROM DRIVING STUPIDLY retrain dominican drivers and teach them how to drive properly thats what u all need to do

    • Sensible
      May 14, 2015

      Good move from the police; Inspector Laurent with his wealth of experience and people skills is the best man to lead this initiative. I’ve lived in countries where seat belts are mandatory and the police are vigilante in implementing the law. Although many Dominicans currently have problems with the selective application of the law in this country, the seat belt regulation is designed to save lives, those of the driver and other road users. Good work by the police.

      • help the lady
        May 14, 2015

        oh wow how is a seatbelt goign to stop them from driving stupidly as they do on the road ? your point makes no sense there dominican drivers still need retraining and teaching how to drive properly

    • Research 1st
      May 15, 2015

      Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 46:50 (Act 17 of 1993)

      http://www.dominica.gov.dm/laws/chapters/chap46-50.pdf

      Section 79

    • M-PRESS KIKI
      May 15, 2015

      You asked “oh wow how is a seatbelt going to stop them from driving stupidly as they do on the road ?”. A seat belt cannot help stop people from driving stupidly but it can save a life by minimizing the amount of injury caused during an accident.

      You need to be able to undertstand what you are reading and not just read the lines and take everything word for word.

  14. cautious
    May 13, 2015

    the problem i see in Dominica is not about seat belts its about ignorant drivers who only drive for themselves and not for others…unless they care for others and not only themselves then we would have less accidents

  15. anonymous2
    May 13, 2015

    A better action would be to station the police underneath the cliff and cite all of the people doing dangerous passing and collect some revenue from them.

  16. udony
    May 13, 2015

    It’s about time, hope this makes a big diffence. Some people laugh at you when you wear seat belts

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      Some love to do that. You know the saying, “Fools laugh at themselves.” Better be safe than sorry and obey road regulations for the sake of everyone, drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

  17. odinn
    May 13, 2015

    About time!!! I congratulate.
    In Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and most of Northern Europe it is illegal to drive without seat-belts and you are fined 100-200 EC if you are stopped driving without seat-belts. It is also forbidden to ride a large motorcycle without helmet and protective suit. You can not ride a large motorcycle wearing a T-shirt and shorts, even with helmet. It is about time you Dominicans wake up and smell the coffee. Also make it illegal to keep small children loose inside a car or bus. They must be in a secure baby-seat.

    • nope
      May 13, 2015

      You do not have to go so far, Europe far man, down in our little caricom and oecs we have these rules and charges. Every police has the role to make sure that drivers are wearing there seat belts. Is we in Dominica that have our own ideas as what is safe and what is not. This link may help: http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1589_1711-13689–,00.html

      • odinn
        May 14, 2015

        Good remark “nope”. It is well know that most spinal injuries in car accidents are caused when people are thrown out of the vehicle.

      • Tjebe fort
        May 15, 2015

        Chupes man, when you want money to help us you holding out your hand to big country but when it comes to sensible laws you want to do your own thing and calling the big country stupid. No wonder we are always behind.

    • The Facts
      May 16, 2015

      The little ones must be in a baby carriage and/or pram.

  18. May 13, 2015

    100% in support of seat belt enforcement , as I have been saved by use of the said . However , on the part of motor cycles police need to be more serious with the unlicensed rider and motor cycles on the road today . Also many young boys way under the age for license are riding and doing stunts in the middle of roads with no regards for approaching vehicles nor those behind . Something has to be done as this could result in more accidents and or fatalities .

  19. May 13, 2015

    this a good thing which took too long to happen let us all hope that there will be consistency.

  20. Jam Rock
    May 13, 2015

    Good move by the police force…How about providing a list of offences and the fines associated with each offence? This way the public will be aware…

  21. Hawke
    May 13, 2015

    Dear ASP Laurent,

    When I drove into town this morning (wearing my seat belt BTW), I noticed about 6 pick-up trucks and vans with several people sitting in the ‘open’ back of the trucks.

    Obviously, no seat belts back there…and if the transport were ever involved in an accident, the folks in the back would be the FIRST to take a flight. and not land softly! Mashed up and possibly killed.

    So while I applaud these efforts to make driving in Dominica safer, I wish I had the answer to resolve unstrapped, open passengers (including children) sitting in the open back of pick-up trucks and other vehicles. Any thoughts?

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      It should be illegal for passengers to drive in the opened back of pick-up trucks. The ASP should also ticket the driver for allowing it, for it is a safety issue. First, the driver(s) should be warned. Record that this was done. If caught again, the driver should be ticketed.

    • Ma Moses
      May 14, 2015

      Very good observation. Driving with passengers in the back of an open pick-up or truck should be banned. It is a highly dangerous practice and should anything happen the passengers could sue the driver for allowing them to be carried in such a dangerous manner.

  22. smart
    May 13, 2015

    what about the local buses which transport people village to village which has rickety chairs and no sign of seat belt?

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      These days, with much more traffic and accidents, this too should be prohibited. Drivers should receive a warning to cease this habit which is dangerous. If they do not pay heed and are caught again, they should be ticketed.

  23. london calling
    May 13, 2015

    tinted windows on the front any moving transport is criminal intention

  24. UserName
    May 13, 2015

    Bring in an element of public awareness into the equation… going on radio not enough. Billboards and posters should not be hard to come by… but do increase ticketing of non complaint motorist. The PR of the CDPF and his team are in a splendid position to put together a comprehensive PA strategy to strengthen the enforcement of safety gear.

  25. point
    May 13, 2015

    A small step in the right direction. However, how does enforcing seatbelt laws or helmet laws create better and more educated drivers? I think we are focusing on what we can afford to focus on not what is more important. We are unable to focus on speeding as we don’t have the tools to identify speeding drivers. So while the police is pulling over a driver for not wearing a seatbelt a vehicle will drive pass at 20 miles above whatever the speed limit is. The question is which is more dangerous a speeding driver or a driver without a seatbelt? just asking….

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      The police officer only has two eyes and can only do so much while talking to another driver. One day, the other driver will be caught. Since the police is now out in full force, who knows, that same day another officer could catch the driver.
      The seat belts will remind them to drive safely. If wearing a seat belt and they still exceed the driving limit and are caught, they will bear the consequences.

  26. Van
    May 13, 2015

    Though enforcing the seat belt law helps in minimizing injury during the accident, what I think is needed more is a more robust inspection of vehicles when they are being licensed. Too many vehicles are being driven on the streets which are NOT road worthy. Also driver’s license is being issued to people who can’t drive properly and shouldn’t be driving. Let the change begin at traffic department.

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      Depending on the mileage driven per year and the type of vehicle, for their safety and that of passengers, they should be required to get a check-up for their vehicles by a professional at least once or twice a year. A certificate should be provided to that effect.
      I bet some of them never check their vehicle even for years until something happens to them.

  27. Curious
    May 13, 2015

    How will this be enforced in buses?

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      The bus drivers should wear their seat belts and obey road regulations as also speed limits. The passengers will not be able to wear a seat belt since there are none in the buses..
      At the manufacturers’ end, newer models should be required to have them. This may not be possible. However, the authorities, government and traffic department should look into it.

  28. DA Native in Texas
    May 13, 2015

    I have read several comments, and as far as I am concerned the cops are doing what they are being paid to do. Wether they started this month or last year is not the point. They are saving drivers from killing themselves. I have seen to many people who might have been alive today had they been wearing seat belts. People the seat belts were not placed in the cars for style, they are there to protect you. And as for the motor cyclist they should not be allowed to ride without helmets period! The last time I visited DA I was scared to drive because of the way our drivers use the public roads. They over take any where without regard to the safety of other drivers or pedestrians who are walking. Several of you may, and have the right to disagree with me, but I have evidence where wearing your seat belt can save your life, and sometimes you may survive the crash but end up being a paraplegic or quadraplegic. So stop being so stubborn and wear your seat belts & helmets.

  29. Hmmmmm
    May 13, 2015

    I agree but give us the bikers enough time to buy our gears

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      The time is now. Accidents do not wait for anyone.

    • Ma Moses
      May 14, 2015

      If you can afford a bike you can afford the necessary gear to protect yourself. If not, don’t ride a bike.

    • soufriere
      May 14, 2015

      if you were a sensible biker, as you bought your bike you would buy protective gear….simple

  30. Shaka zulu
    May 13, 2015

    It is called law enforcement. If police was doing what they were paid to do in the first place we would not have many of the social problems, at least as much. The headline should read. Police finally doing their work. That is why the laws are on the books, to protect citizens from themselves and others. Before we start amending laws we should enforce them see if they work in solving some problems. Make this a case study for path forward. Our problems are not for lack of laws but enforcement and penalties. I would like to see the same attitude across the board without prejudice. Start with bribery, fraud, racketeering etc……..

    • Po Po
      May 13, 2015

      Now you talking BS. When the police try to enforce the laws, we are quick to run on ‘Mat’ and say that the police are harassing people and that they should find work to do. Now, you are singing a different song. There’s no pleasing you people is there?

      Hats off the the police officers. I am a driver and I have respect for the laws of the land and the law enforcement officers.

  31. zandoli
    May 13, 2015

    So what did the police department think the laws were there for in the first place? They should be ashamed of themselves for not enforcing the law all these years.

    It’s a good start but they need to enforce the law in many other aspects. They should look at underage drinking. There are too many kids drinking these days.

  32. anon
    May 13, 2015

    Hmmm..Seen research suggesting Seat belts are best suited to only certain types of crashes but if you go down a cliff or precipice they not safe. All the accidents in DA how many people who go off cliff would be mash up. But something has to be done..

    But the biggest joke is license test only checks if brake light beaming but not checking if brakes actually working. Any defective vehicle can pass license check. Look how many buses crashing and its some failure.

  33. concern300
    May 13, 2015

    So people come on. That’s for our safety, if the police don’t wear the safety gears and seat belts that’s their safety to. I witnessed drivers removing their seal belts this morning after they had passed the police.So tell me if something happen and you not wearing your seat belts or safety gears who will feel the pain. Lets grow up people its not a police thing it’s our safety. Well am a driver and who don’t want to wear a seat belt won’t be getting a ride with me!!

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      Taking off their seat belts after they pass the police made me laugh. :lol: If after taking them off, they meet another police officer, what would be their excuse? Bet they would be shocked and when the officer tickets them.
      They are not smart for after taking off their seat belts. There is a possibility they could be involved in an accident.
      I agree that no one drives off without the seat belt on. It is the responsibility of drivers to ensure that.
      Drivers should say the same as in the airplane recording/sign, “Fasten your seat belts.” Some day, probably vehicles will be equipped with this recording. The vehicles may not be able to move until they buckle up. This would be the day when it occurs.

  34. Justsaying
    May 13, 2015

    I do hope our “law enforcers” get some sort of highly modified eye wear; most likely from China…. in order to penetrate the 5, 10, 15% tinted windows to see who’s wearing seat belts or not….Oh! and the 35% on the entire wheel screen….*sigh… #tintyourglass!#LOL#goodluck#justsaying#Thelaw

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      Your comment is a wise one, an eye-opener. :) I must telephone the traffic department in Toronto and inquire about that. I have seen a few cars with tinted windows. I did wonder why they are tinted.
      They must be hiding something or want to hide something to have tinted windows. All the police have to do is to stop the vehicles. If they notice those drivers are fiddling with their seat belts and buckling up at that time, it is a sign that they did not have their seat belts on. They should be charged.

      • omg
        May 14, 2015

        you make no sense. If they cannot see if you have on seat belt because it is tinted, how would they see you “fiddling with your seatbelt”

      • The Facts
        May 16, 2015

        You did not comprehend and to as much as read between the lines. I make more sense than you. Do I have to spell it out for you?. “All the police have to do is to stop the vehicles…” Did you not read that and the rest? Re-read it. Smarten up! :twisted: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
        Cease using OMG for you are, be it in your mind and through your fingers on the keyboard, calling the Most Holy Name of God in vain. It is a grievous sin to do so. Refer to the Ten Commandments of God.

    • Me
      May 14, 2015

      Surely you mean “windscreen” instead of “wheel screen”?

  35. OneDestiny
    May 13, 2015

    And about the speeding and reckless driving!!

  36. Dominic
    May 13, 2015

    that is d best law that ever pas in dominica click it or ticket

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      :lol: :lol: :lol: Do you reside in the US? Last year I saw this consistent Traffic Ad on a US TV Channel. Whenever I saw it I smiled. It is an excellent Ad. It has a rhyme and could not be missed.

  37. May 13, 2015

    thats just for one day

  38. Kumbaya
    May 13, 2015

    Let’s not forget the drivers who use their cell phones, be it calling or texting while driving!!!

    • Muslim_Always
      May 13, 2015

      My thoughts exactly

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      The police should pay attention to these. We know it is dangerous to use those gadgets and drive. Some fatal accidents occurred in Toronto because of that. We now have a Law against it. The police are on the look-out for them. The public is asked to telephone the police if they see anyone talking on their cell phones. and texting while driving.
      Someone said we squeal on others. We have a right to do so. Our own safety could be at stake. We must also assist the police in policing.
      Last evening I saw a driver (a black person) talking and driving. He was making a turn too when pedestrians have the right of way. He drove so fast that I could only recognize four of his license plate number. There were two more. Later I saw a police cruiser and informed the police officers about it. I gave them the first numbers I recognized and said it was a black/grey car. I was told they will be on the look-out for this driver. I was sorry I did not see all the numbers.

      • omg
        May 14, 2015

        If someone is on the highway driving and sees another driver on their cell phone, they should pick up their phone and call the cops? lmao…. wouldn’t they be utilizing their cell phone as well? that makes no sense

      • The Facts
        May 16, 2015

        You again! I will not refer to you by the initials you use which is an offense to God, a mortal sin. You do not deserve a response from me. However, put on your thinking cap if you have one.
        I know the Law more than you do. You are only out to scrutinize and criticize with no substance behind them. You have a problem, fault-finder. What else is new with you? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:
        Are you living behind the times? Do you not know that some of them have the phone on or attached to the dashboard that they can drive and not have to touch it? You need this to be explained to you? Drivers are the ones to utilize their common sense. You do likewise. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      It was getting dark. If I had seen all the numbers I would have telephoned the police station and reported him.
      The driver looked unconcerned while talking and turning. Some of them are in a hurry to beat the light. He had to wait for pedestrians to cross the street since they had right of way.
      If someone or some people who had right of way and were crossing in his path, this could have been a sure accident with injuries and/or fatalities.
      The police authorities expect the public, to do their part if we notice any infraction. In fact, the government. We are told not to interfere with them but report them. It is our duty to do so. Dominicans are no exception. Hope the D/can police take them seriously.
      We want a safe city, also free of fatalities. We should do our part. How else could we help combat and decrease all criminal activities? It is wise to pretend that you do not see when you observed but take down particulars and report them incognito.

  39. So what exactly is the law?
    May 13, 2015

    So what is law exactly?

    1. seatbelts for driver only?

    2. seatbelts for driver and front passenger?

    3. seatbelts for driver and window seat passengers?

    4. seatbelts for driver and ALL passengers?

    Please clarify.

    • Purple
      May 13, 2015

      you hit the nail on the head…cus i was just gonna say if they speaking of road safety they have to address all the children standing in the vehicle, or children seating in the front seat, and the headlights that not adjusted, and the brake/indicator/reverse/head lights that not working, and the tyres that bald, and the inconsiderate parking and sudden braking and the ppl riding in the back of vans and trucks….do ask for them pedestrians!!!!….trust me the list goes on….WE JUST COME

  40. FOUCHETTE FEUR
    May 13, 2015

    I will be photographing any police I see without a helmet are seat belt strapped on…. and I will seek DNO’S assistance in exposing those who will be issuing tickets…

    • FOUCHETTE FEUR
      May 13, 2015

      and just to mention I hope they will be issuing tickets to the people and driver of those riding in the back of pickups without a helmet or seat belt

    • D/can to de Bone (F)
      May 13, 2015

      U call thst naming and shaming them. We also need the law offices to fine people who play lord music after hours aldo the bus drivers must low mudic when driving passages. . Come on officers we have a noise abatement act

      • Me
        May 14, 2015

        That loud and inconsiderate playing of music is one of the biggest curses of living in Dominica.

    • D/can to de Bone (F)
      May 13, 2015

      U call this naming and shaming them. We also need the law offices to fine people who play loud music after hours . The bus drivers must lower the music when driving passanges. . Come on officers we have a noise abatement act. At last it’s seems dominica is getting away from a lawless place I know it to be..

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      Good idea. This is real proof with the license plate number. Some of us may not think of that. :lol:

  41. Moin meme
    May 13, 2015

    yeah and those young boys riding scooters without shirt
    and the numerous vehicle on the road with an excess excess of tinted windows

    people feel a greater sense of impunity and bravado when they know they cannot be seen.
    Clamp down on those TINTED windows such that somebody should be able to see you in the vehicle from at least 10 feet away.
    just saying

    • derp
      May 13, 2015

      tinted windows, isn’t illegal…

      • yes
        May 13, 2015

        but you can make the density of it illegal like in some US states,
        police should be able to see who is in the car

      • WDIK
        May 13, 2015

        In other countries it is!

    • Right
      May 13, 2015

      Not only tinted windows, but brake and park lights too. They are so dark that you can hardly see when the brake light is lit. The drivers are smart, to licence without tint, but the moment they leave the traffic dept on high street, is straight to tinting they go.
      Clamp down on them mister officer!

      While you guys are at it, check those dump trucks that overload and don’t cover their cargo. My windscreen got damaged from a flying gravel off a dump truck on the west coast on a windy day. Funny thing is I was 2 vehicles at the back of the truck. Go figure.

    • Jayson
      May 13, 2015

      Just because those retarded people in the UK and the United states are giving up all their freedoms doesn’t mean we have to follow in their retarded footsteps.

      • Ma Moses
        May 14, 2015

        Retarded Jayson? Is that why their economies do so much better, their crime figures are lower and most of us would immigrate there if we had half a chance?

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      At least the traffic patrol officers.

  42. DOM-IN-nee-KA
    May 13, 2015

    TOU-CHAU- TOU FLAM!! Thats what they all about. Give them one month and it will all be forgotten and swept back under the rug to where it once was. A law thats been on the books since 1993!! you all wanna come and act like it was in place last week. SMH

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      We hope not. If the police do, you have a right to inquire why they ceased and request that their traffic patrol officers be reinstated for the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

  43. Titiwi
    May 13, 2015

    Good work mr. Laurent. Laws without enforcement are meaningless. This measure and action is for the safety of the motorists and will save lives. Thank you.

  44. Anthony Ismael
    May 13, 2015

    I applaud the efforts of ASP Laurent and his men. However, I just saw a photo of two uniformed police officers standing in the bed of a police pick up truck in front the Public Works Garage. Let’s hope that they were not riding in the bed of the truck while attempting to carry out their duty.

    There should be no persons riding in the bed of pick up trucks. This too is unsafe and dangerous. Efforts must be extended beyond the Roseau area as well. We need to see traffic officers patrolling in other areas such as Canefield, Massacre, Mahaut, Point Michelle, Portsmouth, Picard etc.

    Keep up the good work guys.

    • derp
      May 13, 2015

      where is “Point Michelle”

      • Really
        May 13, 2015

        Where do you think it is? Do you know where Gorta village is? Ask Matt that is how he pronounces it!

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      In this era of heavy traffic and accidents, the back of pick-up trucks should be used solely for baggage and other items.

  45. niceness
    May 13, 2015

    It’s nice to see the cops taking the sit belt serious but giving tickets so early i mean common………years we havent been using set belts n head gears on bikes………….give dominicans a chance to get use to sit belt wearing dont throw tickets at us to full your book

    • JODI WEST
      May 13, 2015

      while they give them a chance 20 will die!

    • Purple
      May 13, 2015

      it is a SEAT belt…..

    • smart
      May 13, 2015

      that’s the point of getting people to where them its psychology when u correct ur kids for wrong doing u enforce corrective measures right away same here so buckle up

    • And what?
      May 13, 2015

      Give them a chance? When you get to the US, Canada and other countries, what’s the first thing that you are asked to do as soon as you board the vehicle? BUCKLE UP!
      So why can’t we adopt the same attitude in Dominica?

    • The Facts
      May 13, 2015

      You meant ‘seat’ belts?
      Just what have you stated? You know of the numerous accidents which occurred a few weeks ago. For Dominica, they were one too many.
      The Law is now being enforced. You should not object or criticize. You could have been one or someone you know who were involved in an accident.

    • Tjebe fort
      May 14, 2015

      Give them a chance to be maimed or killed you mean?

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