…85 persons died in 79 accidents so far for 2022
…safety campaign launched
As the year winds down, 85 persons have been killed from 79 road accidents across the country. When compared to 79 fatalities from 73 accidents in 2021, this is a seven per cent increase.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill joins stakeholders in the road safety campaign
The Public Works Ministry and the Inter-American Development Bank on Tuesday launched their joint highway safety video campaign at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, targeting vulnerable road users amid the increased number of vehicles on the road and developing infrastructure.
Highlighting these figures was the Road Safety Manager, who noted that for this year thus far, there has been a startling 66 per cent increase in deaths among children involved in road accidents. However, this is just a jump from three to five persons.
“We would have seen a 66 per cent increase in children being killed. This increase is significant but if you look at actual numbers, it is three last year compared to five as we speak for this year,” he shared.
Hinds underscored that investments have been made for awareness and to reduce severity of such incidents.
“It is important that we put measures in place that will address countering the loss of lives and serious injuries for the various categories of road uses, and the most vulnerable. What we are currently experiencing in Guyana… In order to address safety on our roads, it is important that measures that are cost-effective and also effective in addressing the issues that exists are implemented.”
Among the myriad of safety measures around schools are pedestrian sidewalks, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, road markings and traffic signs.
He shared that excessive speeding, recklessness, driving under the influence and using devices while driving are some of the main causes of accidents. Derelict vehicles and stalls on the roads are also contributing factors.
The road safety official pointed out that greater penalties, emergency response, engineering and education are some of the mechanisms targeted to bring down stats and safer roadways.
In his address, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill underscored that while Govt is working on building connectivity, the safety of road users takes importance. He said it can be unfortunate if people are not properly educated.
This initiative was created owing to several accidents occurring on the newly built highways, which he opined could have been avoided. This has especially been the case for the new Sheriff Street to Mandela four-lane road.
“No one should lose their lives on the road. Road safety is important. This road [Sheriff Street to Mandela], if not properly used, properly regulated and if people are not educated, it could prove a danger to lives. It is no secret that we had a couple accidents already; accidents that should not have happened had people obeyed the laws of usage of the roads,” the Minister expressed.
A new feature was demonstrated at the traffic light on Mandela Avenue, where pedestrians can press a button and request to cross the road, as opposed to waiting for the vehicles to halt systematically.
Meanwhile, the videos which demonstrate how to use the roadway and structures like the roundabouts properly will be shared in an effort to positively influence road users. (G12)
