In Nicaragua, the culture and tradition of Easter Week collides with the “Spring Break” party atmosphere. That produces a few days of activities that require a lot of planning and organizing. In particular, trying to minimize injury or loss of life as well as the protection of public and private property.
Every year the National Police design and implement a safety and security plan in order to minimize crime and prevent tragic accidents. Some years are better than others. However, with so many people around the country on the move in party mode (for what is essentially a four day week), it’s a wonder sometimes the stats are that low.
The last huge Semana Santa was in 2018. Since that time, the effects of the social unrest and then Covid -19 have caused numbers to drop at the typical vacation spots. In 2018, the National Police reported that during the Easter period (between March 25th and April 1st) a total of fifteen people had lost their lives on Nicaragua’s roads. Eight of which were recorded as alcohol related. In addition, twenty two people had drowned at various beaches, lakes and spas. Also, there were nine homicides (five with firearms, three using knives and one by strangulation).
For the “Summer Plan 2021”, the various authorities are hoping for a peaceful week and in this year’s plan includes a number of rules, regulations and advice to the national population and international visitors (some who will be experiencing this for the first time).
- As is usual, the National Police have put a firearm ban in place. From Saturday March 27th to Sunday April 4th 2021 (inclusive), it is prohibited to carrying firearms in public, with the exception of the authorities of the National Police, the Nicaraguan Army and the Penitentiary System in the exercise of their functions.
- No driving or parking motor vehicles on the beaches at locations where a large amount of people gather.
- They strongly recommend that drivers do not do so under the influence of alcohol and they should organize a designated driver.
- Observe all speed limits and traffic signs.
- All drivers and passengers wear your seat belts in vehicles and your crash helmets on motorbikes and ATV’s.
- Do not carry excess passengers.
- To Pedestrians; be responsible, pay attention and protect your life.
- Vehicle owners; check the mechanical condition of your vehicle (especially brakes, steering and lights).
- Parents; take special care of children and the elderly in vacation areas, spas and also during religious processions.
On the national media, the Traffic Department or Tránsito Nacional announced that they will be enforcing all traffic laws this Easter Week. In particular they will be looking for offences relating to documents such as valid license, registration, insurance and those who are drive under the influence of alcohol. Other targets will be overloaded vehicles, cargo and passengers.
Commissioner Vilma Reyes, Head of the Traffic Department said “We will seize and impound those vehicles being driven by persons with no documents, or in state of drunkenness or driving recklessly”. Reyes added; “We will be checking all vehicles at the markets and bus terminals, looking for excess loads”.
The police confirmed that drivers of vehicles (as well as) cyclists and pedestrians who are intoxicated “will be detained until they sober up or can be looked after by a relative”. Reyes reminded everyone that 17 people died on Nicaraguan roads last Easter, 2020 and they want to reduce that this year.
Many of the people who drowned were also very intoxicated.
DON’T DRINK AND S W I M.
Sober drivers need to be extra watchful for drunken pedestrians. You could come around a curve and find a drunk walking in the middle of the road, or even passed out and lying in the road.
Both of those have happened to me several times.
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