Cops urge regular mechanical checks for motor vehicles

In light of the three road fatalities that occurred over the Easter holidays, head of the Police Traffic Division, Senior Superintendent Calvin Allen, has encouraged motorists to ensure regular mechanical checks are carried out on their vehicles.

Allen disclosed that of the three fatalities reported, one seemed to have resulted from the mechanical problems associated with the vehicle that was being driven.

"The mechanics of the vehicle is critical to the safety on our roadways, so we are encouraging motorists to ensure that the vehicle is regularly checked to ensure that it is roadworthy in all respects; all the nuts and bolts are securely fastened as they ought to be," he said.

He pointed out that the Traffic Division has increased its joint operations with the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) in order to ensure that motorists are operating vehicles which are mechanically sound.

"This is why we continue our operations with the ITA, treating with the mechanics of the vehicle to ensure they are roadworthy," he said.

According to Allen, motorists should be doing personal checks of their vehicles in addition to the annual fitness that is mandatory for all vehicles.

"A certificate of fitness is valid for a year, but there are so many things that can happen within that period in terms of your vehicle, and so even beyond just going to the examination depot and doing a check there, you have your own personal checks to make, even to the point of checking your vehicle to ensure it has sufficient coolant," he said.