Beware Alcohol Drinkers This Christmas

Head of the Police Traffic Division, Senior Superintendent Calvin Allen, has informed that officers will be using portable breathalyser devices, as part of a strategy to reduce accidents on the roadways this Christmas.

The devices will be used to test the level of alcohol in the system of a motorist who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mr. Allen told the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Yuletide season press briefing, held at the Commissioner’s Office, Old Hope Road, in Kingston, on December 10, that the use of these machines is necessary, as the season presents many challenges, which include drunk driving.

“We want everyone to enjoy the festive season…but we also want you to do so with the highest level of consciousness, responsibility and awareness. Alcohol impairs one’s vision and so we want to urge persons to get a designated driver if they intend to drink,” the Head of the Traffic Division said.

He warned that if the level of alcohol found in the system of the motorist is more than the allowable limit, the driver will be taken to the police station where the Intoxilyzer 8,000 will be used to generate a report for evidential purpose, and an arrest will be made.

Mr. Allen highlighted that the allowable limit for alcohol in the system when driving is 35 micrograms for each 1,000 millilitres of breath.

He reassured the public that the mouth piece on the breathalyser is discarded after each use.  “It [breathalyser] is not to scare anyone. We really want you to have fun and enjoy the festivities with your families and friends, but we want you to utilise our roadways from the perspective of safety,”  SSP Allen said.