Tránsito Ready For Semana Santa
The ministra de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT), Karla González, confirmed yesterday that the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) are ready for Semana Santa, a campaign that will include more operatives (road side checkpoints) and a zero tolerance on drinking and driving, in an effort to reduce the mortality rate on the roads due to traffic accidents.

The minister said that 650 Tránsito (traffic) officials or 81% of the force will be out patrolling the highways and bi-ways beginning on March 31 and will close the campaign on April 8.

The plan includes to bar heavy vehicles from the highways during certain periods, giving way to passenger vehicles heading to and from the beaches and resorts.

González emphasized that the control on alcohol abuse will be a top priority. Spot checks on all highways, especially those leading to and from the beaches, will be a primary focus.

The priority of this campaign is to reduce traffic accidents.

Minister González also took the opportunity to deliver the message that this time of year is a time of reflection, not only on a spiritual level, but also of a self evaluation of those who drive badly or aggressively.

To date this year there have been 97 deaths resulting from traffic accidents, not counting the 20 others who died on route or in hospital following a traffic accident, leaving the tally at 117 or 1.4 deaths per day for the first 81 days of 2007.