Police Chief Cyril Carrette has called on drivers to be more vigilant and “courteous” to avoid further road fatalities.
Nine fatal accidents have so far been recorded for 2011 and there are concerns that many of the incidents have been a result of negligence.
Carrette said, “We’re having better roads now and persons are really doing crazy things on them.”
He says a new traffic act should help address the problem but has called on police officers to enforce the regulation when it becomes effective. The act, “in progress” will make provisions for speed limits, use of seat belts and other safety gears including helmets.
“I think courtesy is going down the drain in Dominica,” Carrette said.
He added, “We’ve had young lives being lost. These persons could have gone on to be productive individuals and I think we need to guard against that.”
The top cop also took time to send condolences to the family of David Joseph, who died when he collided with a cow near Portsmouth on Monday night.
DRIVER EDUCATION ON SAFETY DRIVING,
CITIZENS EDUCATION ON GENERAL DRIVING DANGERS,
DRIVERS AND CITIZENS CONFORMITY TO RULES AND SAFE DRIVING, AND,
LAW ENFORCEMENT STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF THOSE RULES……WILL IMPROVE SAFETY AND REDUCE ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.
The police are not the problem. Dominican drivers are.
Overtaking on bends, driving towards vehicles reversing, keep going forward no matter how obstructed the road ahead is …
He is right … courtesy is the key … you are coming from a side road and NOBODY want to let you in … you nudge ahead (because you are forced to)and all the drivers go right up to the next bumper to stop you … idiotic … next thing … ding.
Also … when somebody is hurt in an accident … they don’t want to see your ignorant ass taking photos … go about your way … don’t stop and gawp. What is it with you guys? Blood tourism?
Dominicans got a lot of skill … but no road sense.
ONE WORD FOR DOMINICAN DRIVERS” vigilant and courteous”.
I guess Dominica’s driving license is the easiest to get; more than 60 % of the drivers can’t read the FEW traffic signs we have and up to 80% just don’t “see” them, (we have a moving license, not a driving one) so what to expect? Whom to blame?
Thank u dear hurting, we need to improve the way we pass the driving license, there steps on that too, normally you have to:
– Learn & pass your theory test to get the learning to drive permit,
– Learn to drive with a registered driving teacher (minimum of 2 years driving experience)
– Pass the Manoeuvres test, with the police (move between obstacles without touching),
– And if you pass MANOEUVRES test, then go for the driving & parking exam
First I want to offer my condolence to the family of this young man. Well I agree with the Police Commissioner that drivers should be courteous and vigilant but we must have Traffic Rules and Regulations. I always wonder if Dominica has any Traffic Regulation now I am hearing about this “Traffic Act”. I hope the Police will strickly enforce the Traffic Regulations and make sure there are steep fine for violators. It baffles the mind as to how drivers can speed on such narrow roads so let us be courteous to each other and be safe. (Love from NY).
Mr. Commish, take immediate action with speed limits signs etc. and make the decision to create a team within the traffic department whose duties include massive traffic ops. at any given time and place.Give the officers the equipments and quotas (tkts) and you will see great results. You may also use the SSU to do routine patrols and use stray cows for target practice!!!
all of all you fast for speed limits but none of all you can drive!! if you go to other countries you will note that they dont only have speed limits but also roads with provision for speed florings as in you cannot go any less than a certain speed on the road or lane…. that is important too…. being courtious is not just about slowing down to accomodate safety… its being able to accomodate certain people may be in a rush for an emergency or for whatever reason it may be or someone just wants to cruise and not everyone jsut wantes to cruise because people have places to go and thigns to do…. but yeah…. i agree with stray cows being used for target practice for the SSU :D
I agree with you. We just try copying stuff from other countries and do not copy correctly. If Carette is implementing speed limits I hope he knows that if you are caught driving under a certain speed you will get a ticket, this is why vehicles hit at the back all the time. I hope Mr. Carrette passes a special law for the bus drivers. They need their separate laws because the madness bus drivers do on the road is far over ridiculous. Put bus stops in place and NO STOPPING if you are not on a bus stop.
Sakway zanfanh garce, Anonnymouse i couldn’t agree with you more.The chief must recreate the patrol division of the traffic department.Every police station MUST be provided with vehicles and equipment to patrol their districts and to enforce the laws.We need to start putting deterents in place.
I have stated over and over on my comments that, the police department need more vehicles, to monitore speeders wheather it’ s scooters cares, trucks motorcircles ecxrta there rude drivers on the roads, speeders drunks, do like they do the other countries , write the speeders trafic tickets hit them where it hurts in thier wallet,we have lost to many life that could that could have been avoided. a little coution , and respect will go a long way, dominican drivers please slow down..
ILLITERATE ABROAD WOULD BE A BETTER NAME FOR THOU.
In defense of Mr.Carette…he did nt state that David death was due to recklessness. He clearly stated that out of the nine fatal road accidents most of them were due to reckless. Most does not mean David. Also, KFC delivery employees do have helmet. So Dominicans stop with all the ignorant comments. David was trying to do something instead of going and steal or do drugs. R.I.P David….u will truly be missed not only by me but by many peole..xoxoxoxoxo(sick child)
In defense of Mr.Carrette…he did nt say that it was due to recklessness that David lost his life. He clearly stated that out of the nine fatal road accidents causing death MOST of them were due to recklessness. Most does not state that David Joseph was reckless. Also, KFC delivery do give there employees helmets. I don’t think that David was being reckless, the boy was doing his job. So Dominicans for once stop with all the ignorant comments. R.I.P David…You will truly be missed by me!! xoxoxoxo
mr so call top cop. i have a message for u.do u no the song of wck? to show to flame well that is us.u recall we had pay as you go on the buses if im right with term what happen to that? remember we enforce seat belts once upon a time? what happen to that? so now wat u saying.u all r not serious bout nothing on this island. only shows.all ive got to say for now
Cows should not be allowed to roam freely along our roads. Loose cows feeding along the highway leading to Portsmouth is a normal occurrence. This was just an accident waiting to happen.
this person that talking about cow had right of way and these nonesence u thats funny? r u a damn idiot? there r times u have to be funny and time to be serious man. a man lost his life and now is the best time u chose to make fun. come on u must not be a normal person guess u have a heart of stone.
That’s been my concern…. better roads give rise to more idiots. Not sure how the young man ran into the cow, but why was that cow not tied? Hope the guy was not speeding…
So a traffic and safety law would do good in Dominica. But first all drivers should have annual mandatory safety courses. I don’t know if they have a point system in Dca where points are issued against someone’s license, depending on the traffic violation. But, the roads being built are death traps. And the idiots who speed on them are death wardens. It’s a shame that you can’t find a speed limit sign nowhere in Dominica. And they also need some traffic lights. But common sense and courtesy would go a long way. Because, no matter how many laws you have, if there are daredevil idots out there… then they will still be. So, I think education and that annual safety course should be instituted, at least. But alot is needed to bring road safety up to international standards. The right infrastructure must be in place to be able to make the law effective. So, roads need to be widened and four-laned, with safe medians, intersections marked, traffic signs and lights, well lighted streets, esp in heavily populated (people or animals) areas, safety/guard rails, strict enforcement/well marked patrol cars and the list goes on… But please drivers, there is no need for rush or speed. Leave earlier if you have to to get to your destination in a safe manner. BE COURTEOUS!!!! It can save your or a loved one’s life!
UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE WHERE WE ARE AT THIS POINT IN OUR DEVELOPMENT. OUR ROADS ARE GIFTS SO WE TAKE WHAT WE ARE GIVEN. OUR LEADERS INTHE PASS POCKETED AT LEAST 50% OF THE FUNDS.SI OU TE NORWAY SAH OU TE QUE FAIT?’tODAY WITH PASSPORT SALES IN THE 100’S OF MILIONS IF 1% WAS BEING RETURNED TO THE TREAURY WE WOULD BE ABLE TO ERECT ANY TRAFFIC COMPONENT ON OUR LOW-WAYS(AS WE DO NOT HAVE HIGHWAYS.THE GIFTS OF ROAD PROJECTS TODAY IS PARTOF THE NEXT LEVEL.tHE LEVEL WHERE WE ARE.
the cow had right of way and did blow one of its horn.mooo
Not referring to the dear boy who lost his life. just a general comment:
People with company vehicles do really really bad because it’s not theirs.
Courtesy in every facet of society is so critical to dominica at this time. Courtesy is truly lacking.
Dominica bus drivers who transport people kids and other passengers, are the most stupid drivers i have came across.I travelled many parts of the world and when i come home i go wow.These guys overtake in the most dangerous areas
more traffic police presents on the roads and highways on motor cycles,would not be a bad idea to.
Good advice senior Carette. At least this time you did not put your foot in your mouth..lol.
Anyway, you and the rest of the officers wearing Garbadinde should wear a white undershirt. Matter of fact, it would be fitting to make that part of all uniforms (except SSU which will be green or something dark).
Carrette has a point.we have to be courteous
to other drivers. that is what we call smart driving.
on another point.they must stop parking on the sidewalks in roseau.sidewalks are for pedestrians.everyday man people and cars dodging each other in the streets…where is the mayor of roseau
wow so David’s death cold have been prevented/avoided if he were more careful….that’s what you are saying?….to all the experienced drivers out there…is that a true statement?….driving at reasonable speed will give one enough time to to react to an animal in DOMINICA roads?
in anyone experience, do animals suddenly emerge from the bushes leaving the driver no time to react(avoid hitting the animal)
i mean this is Dominica roads we are talking about…not a lot of clear areas between the road and the bushes
it is recommended that you drive slower while driving in residential streets because kids could run into the road at any point….livestock on the other hand should never be on the road so there should be no sign warning drivers of livestock…man it seems like you are saying you are sorry for the young man’s death but………not a word to the livestock owners
and helmet cannot prevent a broken neck….depending on the impact a helmet is useless
i concur because the cows belong to a police in tibay
While courtesy down budget and them other car rental companies shud step up.
Don’t let courtesy be the main player on your roads.
. Implement traffic lights, regular traffic police patrol, parking meters and tough fines/imprisonment for traffic violations.
I’m sure then you’ll see COURTESY among drivers.
I concur!
But with traffic lights, we have to educate people on how to respond. I see too many people act like fools at the Bath Estate bridge (the country’s sole traffic light). W also have to invest in an additional fleet of police vehicle. As is, too many police can’t respond to incidents because “de van” not there. We need to have dedicated traffic police with the tools they need to perform their jobs.
A.C.K Blue truck drives like a mad man on the road. Under the cliff has “No Overtaking! signs but he pushes people out of the way to over take. Pleaseeeee addresss!!!!!
Also bus drivers. Last week one stopped just before the cliff to let some school kids off, no indicator was used, and he had the nerve to get angry when we pointed this out to him.
Courtesy to others seems to be a rude word to some.
The police Chief also needs to get the traffic police to stop the use of pedestrian crossings as parking zones.
De police an dem dat was passing 5 minutes in de opposite direction should have shown more courtesy by stopping and doing their civic and paramilitary duty of CLEARING DE PUBLIC ROAD OD DEM COWS. What do you say about that commisioner, courtesy starts at home.
@ road user
Did you see the police driving 5 minutes before the accident? Are you aware that the cow was then on the road?
Did you wonder that the cow could sprint unto the road and in front of the driver. The cow itself could have been disoriented. The driver in turn could have swerved to avoid the cow but was not successful in doing so. The fact is the cow should not have been allowed to stray unto the road. Yes! There are some drivers who do not extend courtesy to other drivers. They think they are king/queen of the roads and will not get into an accident but are deceiving themselves. Road courtesy is important and drivers should project it. This would immensely avoid accidents, injuries and deaths.
Courtesy begins at home for every one in general. Chief, Cyril Carrette is correct. May no one criticize him or further do so.
Mr Commissioner your use of the word courtesy even if it for the drivers, should also extend to you and your unprofessional behavior in the recent past at the entrance of the charge office of PHQ. Your unprofessional approach and behavior towards the official members of the parliamentary opposition was a disgrace, maybe you should allow someone else within the ranks of the police service to carry that message to the Dominican masses, Blessings to you sir
@ CIA on the watch
Some CIA you are. You could be charged for using this name. There is a time and place for everyone and for certain comments. This article is not the appropriate one for your comments.
Why sway from the topic of what the Chief stated? Do you behave in a professional manner and always and apply it wherever you may be? I wonder. Examine your conscience.
is it not a fact that this man and this commissioner of police Mr. Carette displayed unprofessional behavior in the presence of junior officers in front of the charge off at PHQ towards the official elected parliamentary opposition? and i quote “GET OUT OF THERE, I TELL YOU ALL GET OUT OF THERE” what matters is the manner and tone it was said and done
Come on Mr Carrette
What a time to make such a comment
Are you saying that the young man was being reckless on the roads
Very insensitive statements yet again- use terms for the occassion
Thanks. C.A.W
of course David was being Reckless. He did not have on the Company Issued Helmet. He was Riding extremely Fast as the drivers of KFC Portsmouth Normally Do. Just Minutes before the accident , a Young Man asked him to slow down, and he cussed off thatindividual. These are just some of the little facts that other people do not know about.
SO I agree with Mr Carrette, when he says that people need to be more courteous on the roads.
who ever yu is an-o-ni-a**, shut up, yu had see him riding fast? dum a***,shup up, people dosnt lie on dead people, yours coming, folish idiot
who said he did not have the helmet?
trust you wi, to want to shoot de messenger. Tell me where exactly did Mr. Carrette insinuate that it was the young man’s fault. Tell me.
My question is. Was the issue at hand addressed in this article? What is going to be done about the situation which caused this young man to loose his life. A little explanation of what happens to these offenders in such circumstances should be mentioned. is it a civil or criminal matter? what will be done to label animals to their owners?
@ C.A.W.
It depends which way you look at it with the type of mentality you possess.
Courtesy is Essential. Also, please put the laws in place soon and have the Police actually enforce them (especially out of town). Also, I see tinting of windows gone to the extreme and no one polices it. This is a crucial piece of safety as well. Hope to see the rules enforced.
Mr Top Cop
It seems like you need a vacation. You look very stressed out. Oh watch all these black spots around your eye pits. My brother i have seen you look better more relax in recent past.
@ voleh
Tell us about yourself and who you are. Are you a perfect human being?
What a silly and ignorant comment which has nothing to do with the article. Look out for yourself. You may soon get them for what goes around comes around. You never make statements about the features of people unless it is complimentary. As God heard you, you may pay for it sooner than you think. You have much to learn.
Well doen Mr. Carrette. This is the first tiem that I have heard the Commissioner of Police (not necessarily Mr. Carette express sympathy for the lost of lives on our roads. We have had past Commissioners making statements about such but these have been lost by the military type language that has been used. Are we getting somewhere?
I add my voice to the call for courtesy and caution on the roads. You should see the antics on the new road under the Canefield cliff. The road is four miles wide but still two lane traffic as it is under construction but people driving like they own the road. This overtaking in any direction with no rules can cause a big problem. I hope the Traffic Dept does something about it very soon.
go and find out whose cow it was eh Carrette…
Was it Eddo’s cow?
Dose he have cows in Possi?