Police in light of rising road deaths and accidents.

Eight traffic fatalities have already been recorded this year, and the six which occurred in the first three months represented a 300 percent increase on the same period in 1993, said Police spokesperson Sgt. Roseanda Jones.

Since January there have been 570 road accidents, an increase of more than three percent over the same period last year.

Sgt. Jones pointed out that a "Frequent Accident Spot'' sign had been erected at the junction of Middle Road and Tee Street in Devonshire following ten accidents at that junction this year alone.

Works and Engineering officials were also looking at ways of improving the safety of the busy junction, she said.

Contributing factors of accidents this year were inattention, entering a main road carelessly, following too closely and overtaking improperly, said Sgt.

Jones.

"In some cases speed was a major factor,'' she added. "Nineteen of the accidents was caused by impaired drivers.'' At Middle Road and Tee Street, the majority of accidents have been caused when motorists have been attempting to enter Middle Road from Tee Street in heavy traffic.

Failing to stop at the junction, misjudging the speed of oncoming cars and simply not taking precautions were found to be the main causes of the accidents, she said.

"I am encouraging motorists to take heed, stop at the junction and make absolutely sure that it is safe to proceed out of Tee Street onto Middle Road,'' Sgt. Jones said.

"With the number of fatalities recorded so far this year, I can't stress enough to motorists to please slow down and be more conscious of your driving habits and those of others.''