Press Releases

The RCIPS is reminding all motorists to exercise heightened caution and eliminate distractions behind the wheel as children across the Cayman Islands have returned to school. With increased pedestrian and motoring traffic around school zones, including school buses resuming their routes, distracted driving presents a critical risk to young pedestrians and fellow road users.

So far in 2026, the Cayman Islands has recorded an average of 70 motor vehicle collisions per week. Additionally, over 200 drivers have been prosecuted for mobile phone offences, highlighting the persistent prevalence of dangerous driving behaviours.

With students returning to the classroom, motorists must be especially vigilant around designated school zones and stopping school buses. Children can be unpredictable, and driver reaction time is paramount when navigating school drop-off and pick-up areas.

While collisions occur for a variety of reasons, distracted driving, particularly mobile phone usage, remains a suspected contributing factor in many incidents. Drivers who make calls, send text messages, or browse social media significantly reduce their ability to react to sudden hazards, such as children and school buses.

“With the new school year starting, road safety is entirely dependent on driver responsibility,” says Chief Inspector Damenian Maxwell, in charge of the Traffic & Roads Policing Unit. “A single second looking down at a mobile phone can result in a life-altering tragedy. We are urging all drivers to drop the distractions, slow down in school zones, and respect stopped school buses. No notification is worth risking a child's life.”

Motorists are reminded that using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle is an offence under the Traffic Act. Holding a device to call, text, or browse carries an automatic $150 fine, with further prosecution applicable if distraction results in a collision. Additionally, school zones will be reactivated and speeding in a school zone during activation periods carries a fine of $40 per mile over the 15MPH speed limit. If you have surpassed double the speed limit, then you will be warned for intended prosecution, and may face a disqualification of your driver’s licence for this offence.

The RCIPS will continue to deploy officers around school zones, bus stops, and high-traffic corridors to ensure motorists obey speed limits, stop for school buses in both directions, and remain off their mobile devices.

The message is clear: Protect our children as they head back to school. Put the phone away, respect school zones, and keep your full attention on the road.