AS the holiday season approaches, safety advocates are urging road users to be more responsible.

Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Allen said alcohol is traditionally part of the celebration period and must not be consumed before taking to the wheel.

“Don’t consume alcoholic beverage and then get behind the steering. Remember, alcohol impairs your mental capacity. Our roadways require drivers that are very alert. Let us, maybe for the first time, demonstrate that level of maturity, discipline and patience as we all navigate our roadways. Slow down, stay within the prescribed speed limit and use your seat belts,” said SSP Allen, who is head of the Police Traffic Division.

Paula Fletcher, executive director of the National Road Safety Council, said everyone should be mindful that during the festive period every road user is vulnerable as there are more vehicles on the streets.

“The onus is on us to take personal responsibility for our actions while travelling on our roads, because a fatal road crash will change our lives forever. Not only can we die in road crashes, but if we survive, we may suffer from injuries received. Road crashes sometimes cause families to be pushed below the poverty line. And there is the grieffamilies weep for their loved ones who they lose suddenly,” said Fletcher.

“For 2015, we have seen a major increase in fatalities involving motorcycle drivers, especially in the western area of the island. For this festive season, we are imploring motorcycle riders to be responsible on our roads, wear proper helmets and drive within the speed limit,” she continued.

Since January 1, 333 persons have died as a result of traffic accident. This is an increase of 41 deaths over the similar period last year. Motorcycle fatalities spiked by 86 per cent. To date, 99 of them have been killed.

As per usual, SSP Allen said there would be increased police presence during the period as well as ramped up use of use of the breathalyser tests.

“Knowing exactly what takes place during these holidays with the increase consumption of alcohol, we will be intensifying these operations with certain party spots in focus,” he said.

“We have lost too many lives through road crashes. Look out for our children and the elderly and let’s positively surprise ourselves during this Yuletide season. Let’s walk, ride, drive, arrive alive and stay alive,” he added.