92 road fatalities recorded so far for 2017 – Traffic Chief

As families continue to mourn the loss of eight lives following two road accidents in recent weeks, Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force, Dion Moore, has announced that the country is fast approaching 100 road fatalities for the year thus far.

It was while speaking at the launch of National Road Safety Month 2017 that Moore told the media despite the decrease in the number of roads accidents resulting in the loss of lives, the total number of road fatalities recorded by the end of October is just short of 100.
In doing so, he outlined that, “We’ve already have 92 persons who have lost their lives on our country roads as a result of 79 fatal accidents. This is in no way acceptable, even though we are at the moment, a 20 per cent decrease in fatal accidents 16 per cent decrease in deaths.”
On that note, the Traffic Chief went on to say, “Yes some would say that figures are reducing but for us, one death is always too many.”
This report comes shortly after a motorcar collided with a paddy laden truck on the Corentyne Public Road, resulting in the death of a mother, her two sons and two family friends. This incident is paired with a tragic mishap in Vreed-en-Hoop which led to the demise of three youngsters, just one week later.
In light of these massive tragedies, Moore further highlighted the main causes of death on Guyana’s roadways.
“We have already recognised that speeding is the main contributing factor to accident, coupled with driving under the influence of alcohol. There has been a growing trend that a lot of drivers are engaged in texting and driving or engaged in a cellphone call. Those are forms of distraction that would encourage you to be involved in an accident. Let us refrain from those practices,” underlined the Traffic Chief.
Even with that being established, persons are pinning the blame for these recent incidents on damages to the roadways and poor infrastructure.
However, the Traffic Chief is urging the public to practice caution, especially when driving, noting that such simple strides are at times all it takes to save lives.
Pleading to road users he stated, “Even though a speed limit would be of a particular number, if the road in such a state that you cannot drive at that speed, then reduce your speed. In busy areas reduce your speed. At markets, at intersections, reduce your speed. We all have a role to play.”
Meanwhile, having recognised the alarming statistics, the Guyana Police Force continues to promote its “Safe Way” initiative, established over a year ago.
This is aimed at creating safer roadways for both pedestrians and persons travelling in vehicles, with the ultimate goal of keeping the number of road fatalities on a constant decline.