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DPS cites lesser number of DUI cases
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Posted on May 14 2005
The Department of Public Safety reported a decline in the number of DUI—driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—arrests in the past three years, crediting it to a “successful” education and prevention campaign.
Police commissioner Sandy Tudela, in a report during the Cabinet meeting Thursday, said that there were 475 arrests in 2002.
The following year, the number went down to 369. As of September 2004, Tudela said that only 257 arrests were made.
“The persistent public education, information and deterrence efforts of the department on Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention are proving successful,” said Tudela.
It was not immediately learned if the persistent lack of manpower at the department may have also had an effect on the number of DUI arrests this year. Several policemen who are also members of the Reserve have been called to serve in Iraq this year. They have not been replaced and their slots remain vacant at DPS.
Meantime, DPS, which holds its Buckle Up in Your Truck week, said that too many people still drive and ride cars and other vehicles in the CNMI without buckling up.
By wearing a safety belt, the risk of dying in a rollover crash is reduced by up to 80 percent, it said.
On Saipan, DPS said, recent surveys showed a 74 percent safety belt usage by travelers on the highways and bi-ways.
DPS said it aims to forge broad, community-based partnerships to increase the proper use of seat belts and child safety seats to 90 percent by the end of this year.
Increasing seat belt use is still the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes on roadways, authorities said.
