ORANJESTAD – “The police have indicated that the traffic situation in Aruba has practically gotten out of control,” said Aruba’s Minister of Justice, Arthur Dowers, on Friday morning during a parliamentary session. He was responding to questions from members of Parliament during a meeting requested by MP John Hart of the AVP, following a tragic weekend in which three people lost their lives in two separate traffic accidents.
Commission to Increase Penalties
Minister Dowers also announced that a commission has been established to begin working on the issue. He expects that within two weeks, the commission will present recommendations. One of the key proposals already under discussion is increasing penalties for traffic-related offenses, a measure that the Public Prosecutor’s Office also supports.
According to Dowers, this could lead to a swift process to amend the national traffic ordinance, along with firearm legislation, to impose harsher penalties.
Rise in Hit-and-Run Cases
Dowers further highlighted the growing number of hit-and-run incidents, where drivers cause accidents and flee the scene. He explained that in the past, the law allowed individuals who caused an accident to leave the scene and return later without being detained. This loophole resulted in offenders leaving to sober up before returning, making it impossible to determine whether they had been driving under the influence at the time of the accident.
As a result, the law was amended to prevent such practices and strengthen enforcement. Minister Dowers emphasized that these changes were necessary to ensure accountability and improve road safety.
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