200 crashes a month in ’07

With car crashes—traffic and non-traffic—averaging more than 200 per month last year, the Department of Public Safety Traffic division will be ramping up its enforcement duties starting tomorrow, April 1.

Errant drivers beware as April Fools Day will kick off DPS Traffic’s monthlong campaign to go back to the basics of keeping the Commonwealth’s streets and highways safe with about 20 checkpoints planned, according to newly designated Traffic OIC Sgt. Tom Blas.

“After reviewing our monthly reports, we [found out that we] are averaging around 200 car crashes per month and these are for both traffic and non-traffic related crashes. Failure to yield, running a red light, and speeding have all been identified as causes of crashes,” said Blas.

He hopes that increased enforcement and more checkpoint activity would help curb the trend.

Unofficial DPS records show a total of 2,560 car crashes in 2007. The figure translates to around 213 car crashes per month.

Going by month, January 2007—or right after the holidays—tallied the most car crashes at 289, while September showed the least car crashes at 167.

February (213), March (248), April (201), May (185), June (225), July (185), August (206), October (234), November (203), and December (204) round out the unofficial car crash statistics for 2007.

DPS Traffic did not provide any comparative data for car crashes compiled in 2006. The report also did not specify fatal car crashes.

Blas explained DPS Traffic’s more proactive approach, saying “we are doing this because of the statistics revealing that we’ve had an increase in car crashes but at the same time we are mandated under the programs we’re running to comply and meet with these requirements.”

The interim DPS Traffic chief also said that the appointment of Clyde Norita as new DPS Commissioner prompted a campaign inside the department to “return to basics,” which includes a heightened enforcement of traffic laws and regulations in the CNMI.

It also helps, according to Blas, that his unit has additional manpower and additional equipment—more motorcycles on the streets for patrol—“so that in turn gives us more opportunity to go out there and perform these functions.”

Blas said that DPS Traffic was unable to conduct more checkpoints the past few months due to the lack of manpower.

Operating a checkpoint is not as easy as it sounds, he said. “Sixteen people are needed to run a successful checkpoint from going to the flagman down to the person greeting the motorist and the logistics personnel, [and] people surveying the scene for civil violations.”

Checkpoints that DPS Traffic plans to conduct starting next month include eight DUI (driving under the influence) enforcement, six Mandatory Liability Auto Insurance enforcement, and six OPCR/CPS checkpoints.

In addition, DPS Traffic will also conduct two MCSAP Selective Traffic Enforcement checkpoints in the course of the month.