Police concerned about rising pedestrian deaths as they crack down on illegal motorcycle racing

By The Star Staff

Police Commissioner Joseph Gonzalez expressed concern Monday about the increase in pedestrian deaths on the country’s roads, while an overall decrease in fatal accidents has been reported.

“This week, three cases of pedestrians being struck on roads were reported. One occurred on PR-18, another on PR-22, and a third on PR-2 in Mayagüez. The only area where we are ahead in fatal accidents is precisely pedestrians,” González said at a press conference.

González explained that so far there have been 102 traffic fatalities, 20 fewer than last year. “The police are doing their job, but it’s essential that pedestrians take action. Many cases are due to driver negligence, but also to poor pedestrian decisions,” the commissioner added.

Captain Elvis Zeno Santiago, director of the Highway Patrol Division, detailed recent operations against motorcyclists who disrupt traffic. “We conducted operations in Cataño, Maunabo, Arecibo, and Aguadilla. We arrested people for controlled substances and cited those who were collecting bets and sellers without permits,” explained Zeno Santiago.

Zeno Santiago commented that he’s noticed changes in the attitude of motorcyclists. “We used to see large-scale races. Thank God, we don’t see them as much anymore, and that shows that the call for safety is bearing fruit,” he expressed.

Police reported that 12,614 road interventions were carried out last week, resulting in 114 arrests. Of these, 103 were for drunk driving.

González concluded that, although murders and fatal accidents have decreased, there is still work to be done. “The work to make Puerto Rico safer doesn’t just belong to the police, but to everyone,” González concluded.