JCF traffic division doubles breathalyser checks in push to cut road deaths below 300

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is strengthening how it monitors the roads, with officers carrying out enforcement work each day and deploying equipment designed to curb violations and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Marcus Graham, who serves as Operations Officer for the Traffic Enforcement Division, said the force has grown its operational reach through the purchase of breathalysers and speed radar devices.

Addressing a JIS Think Tank, Graham reported that from January 1, personnel in the division have completed more than 7,000 breathalyser tests. During the comparable period last year, that figure stood at about 4,000.

"We have had 70 positive results, with those persons being arrested and charged. We have also had persons who were found to have alcohol in their systems, but they had not reached the threshold [which is 141]," he said.

Graham noted that officers are mounting several operations daily across the island to address reckless behaviour on the roads and bring down the number of motor-vehicle collisions. The division is aiming to keep accident totals below 300 for 2026.

He indicated that heightened attention is being directed at western Jamaica, where road-safety pressures persist. Westmoreland, Hanover, Manchester, and St Elizabeth remain among the parishes facing the greatest difficulty.