Within a framework reinforced by the recent orientations of the Minister of the Interior to fight firmly against road incivilities during gatherings of motorized two-wheelers, the teams of the National Gendarmerie are mobilized daily against the 
road incivilities.
This mission is essential given the toll of fatal accidents that have hit our territory since the beginning of the year. The four deaths that mourned the roads of Saint-Martin in 2022 concerned motorized two-wheelers.
This observation is shared for the majority of fatal accidents in recent years since dangerous driving is the cause of the events in all cases. Excessive speed and the presence of alcohol or narcotics on the perpetrators were observed in each accident. An aggravating factor, the helmet, an essential element of protection for the pilot, is rarely worn.
Too often, inconsiderate risk-taking by pilots gathered during rodeos is observed on the territory. These practices endanger the drivers involved but also those who share the road with them, including families with children.
During an operation in early 2021, a mobile gendarme was seriously injured by pilots who knocked him down by forcing a barrage of law enforcement. He now has lifelong scars from his injuries.
Since November 2021, more than 40 two-wheeled vehicles have been seized during anti-rodeo operations. Some have been destroyed. In order to fight against the risks posed by these practices for all Saint-Martin residents, these actions will be multiplied in the coming weeks.
In this sense, on Wednesday August 17, in order to force the necessary awareness of certain drivers, 25 gendarmes set up a roadside check targeting more specifically offenses related to two-wheelers in the Cripple Gate area. The inspection of 15 two-wheelers led to the observation of 13 offenses (not wearing a helmet, absence of vehicle registration document or driving licence, lack of insurance, a stolen vehicle, driving under the influence of an alcoholic state and possession of narcotics). All of the findings led to the seizure of 3 vehicles.
Vincent BERTON, Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, calls for the mobilization of all Saint-Martin residents to respect safety rules and adopt civic behavior on the road. These operations will multiply throughout the island in the coming days.
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