As the island’s roads get busier and deadlier during the holidays, the Guam Police Department is warning the community to think twice before getting behind the wheel.  This as 21 lives have been lost this year already, three of them this month alone. 

The holiday rush is on, and so is the danger on Guam’s roads with 21 lives lost this year already.  Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio says the latest three road related deaths this month follow the same pattern: speeding, drinking, and no seatbelts "For example, the most recent traffic fatality with the mother and the child, we saw all three," the chief said. "We had a vehicle that we suspect was speeding and then we had occupants in the vehicle who did not appear to be properly restrained. So those become factors.

"Plus again, in that same incident the person driving appeared to be under the influence of alcohol."

He says distracted driving is another hidden danger - even hands-free calls, texting or adjusting the radio. "Pay attention to your surroundings and focus on what’s in front of you," Chief Ignacio warned. "Try not to listen to incoming calls. Phones have a Do Not Disturb function. Turn that on and keep it on until you get to your destination. Of course the other main three is don’t drink and drive, follow the speed limit and please, please wear your seatbelt."

It’s a reminder on safe driving tips the chief sends throughout the year, but underscores all the more during the holidays with more people on the road. "They’re spending more time on the road because they’re driving to and from shopping destinations, they’re staying later, and they’re getting up early to catch the best deals they want to get. As there’s more cars in the road, there’s more distractions," he shared.

Plus with recent heavy rainfall causing slippery and flooded roads, he urges drivers to be defensive and vigilant.

In the meantime, to keep roads safer, the Guam Police Department is running "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" checkpoints and increased patrols through New Year’s. This Friday, a sobriety checkpoint will begin at 8pm on Route 1, with alternate sites across the island, including Route 14 in Tamuning, Route 4 in Hagatna, and Route 10 in Mangilao and Barrigada.

Chief Ignacio said, "Even though Christmas will be over, we will be having parties going on all the way up until the New Year’s so there’s still a lot of festivities going on. So we want to make sure that we’re out there doing our part of enforcement."

"We want to send everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. We look forward to continuing doing what we do to serve our community."

The community is reminded to think twice before getting behind the wheel. Drive sober, stay alert, and arrive home safely.