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Traffic Police And Red Cross
Ready For Semana Santa
Semana Santa is around the corner. It is a
time for many to head for the beaches,
mountains and resorts for a well deserved
rest and relaxation.
However, there is one group that will not be
taking the time off, they are the officials
of the Policía de Tránsito and Cruzrojistas
that will be keeping an eye on the roads and
the beaches.
The entire Tránsito police force of more
than 800 officials will be on full alert
with spot checks and patrols of the major
highways. And armed with the new Ley de
Tránsito (Traffic Law) that went into effect
on March 1, 2010, in their hands as a guide
will be issuing hefty fines and taking drunk
and reckless drivers straight to jail.
Items that will be the focus of the
attention of the Tránsitos is that drivers
are using their seatbelts, not talking on
their cellular phone, keeping to the speed
limit, not drive under the influence and
that drivers have handy their license and
vehicle registration.
Although there has been debate and
discussion in the last 20 days to reform the
law, reduce the fines and easy on drunk
drivers, the fines and sanctions that went
into effect on March 1 stand firm. For now.
As well, 676 Cruzrojistas (Red Cross)
workers have been assigned to keep an eye on
the country's beachgoers and mountaineers.
The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) will be on hand
for any type of emergency and will include
setting posts along the highways to offer
first aid and attend quickly to traffic
accidents.
Semana Santa officials starts on Sunday
March 28 and concludes on April 4.
However, many will jump start the vacation,
heading for the beaches and resorts on
Friday, March 26.
Hotel operators report 80% sold out, so it
is best to book ahead and not take a chance
of finding a decent room at a decent price
on the fly.
German Marín, the Tránsito director, says
there will be a zero tolerance policy on the
roads during Semana Santa and have prepared
plans to ease traffic congestion on the
major routes, including an evacuation plan
in the event of a major emergency.
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