Holiday Road Safety in the Cayman Islands
Christmas is a time for togetherness and reflection – the season for reconnecting with family, friends, and loved ones. Across Cayman, the festive spirit is evident: decorated streets, homes preparing for year-end celebrations, and communities coming together to see out the year and welcome the one ahead. Christmastime also brings road safety in Cayman to the forefront of people’s minds, with the season being synonymous with increased motor vehicle accidents and road fatalities.
As we enter the holidays, this iteration of our safe driving blogs under the National Road Safety Strategy reinforces our national commitment to road safety. We’re asking everyone to take extra care on our roads as they head home this Christmas, so that every family receives the most treasured gift they could ask for: the safe arrival home of those they love.
Celebrate Responsibly this Christmas
End-of-year celebrations bring well-deserved joy, but they can sometimes involve drinking more than intended. These moments with friends, families, and colleagues, celebrating the close of another year, should end with laughter and warmth – not in regret.
Whether it’s a workplace function, brunch with friends, a family gathering, or a night out, driving under the influence puts everyone at risk. If alcohol is part of the occasion, make the smart choice by designating a driver, arranging a taxi, or taking the bus. And if you’re hosting, support safe choices by offering non-alcoholic options, checking in before people leave, and encouraging responsible transport home can make all the difference.
Remember: drink smart, never drive impaired.
Slow Down – Not Every Countdown is to Christmas
December is a hectic month. Cayman’s shops are busier, schedules are packed, and many of us are trying to squeeze in last-minute errands. But impatience and speeding on the road increases the risk of collisions for all road users.
Year-to-date statistics from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service up to the end of October reveal a 4% increase in the number of road traffic
accidents in Cayman from last year’s statistics. This season let’s all make a conscious effort to ease off the accelerator; giving yourself a little extra time – or simply taking a breath instead of acting recklessly when in traffic – helps keep Cayman’s roads safer for everyone.
Stay Alert – Don't Drive Exhausted
Between late-night events, early-morning preparations, and a calendar full of gatherings – coupled with a long year of achievements and the promise of a
holiday make it easy to become overtired during the holidays. Fatigue impairs your reaction time and judgement as much as alcohol, increasing
your risk of getting into an accident. If you’re feeling exhausted, don’t get behind the wheel. Avoid unnecessary journeys, rest before heading out, or choose an alternative way to get home. Driving fatigued, especially at a time when families, visitors, and children are out and about, is a recipe for disaster.
Safer Roads for Pedestrians, Shoppers, and Cyclists
Shopping centres, restaurants, bars, central town, and other pedestrian areas often see increased foot traffic in December, particularly for holiday markets and other Christmas events. If you’re driving in these areas, slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions. People – especially children – may cross unexpectedly, especially when carrying bags, navigating crowds, or walking at night.
If you’re walking or cycling, make yourself visible by carrying a light or wearing reflective clothing, use designated crosswalks, and remain aware of your surroundings. Always make sure that the road is clear in both directions before stepping out. Cayman’s road safety is a shared responsibility.
Let’s Make Road Safety the Tradition That Lasts
As we gather to celebrate the season, we encourage every home, workplace, church group, and community organisation to help share this message: the
holidays should be joyful, not tragic. When we slow down, plan ahead, buckle up, stay alert, and make smart choices; we do our part to make Cayman’s roads safer. Let’s make sure everyone in Cayman gets home this Christmas and New Year.
To learn more about safe driving in the Cayman Islands, visit our website:
gov.ky/roadsafety
