Damages suffered in accidents remain a challenge despite traffic gains in 2024

In 2024, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) achieved significant strides in reducing road fatalities, with 28 fewer fatal accidents and over 40 fewer fatalities compared to the previous year. Despite these successes, damage accidents, commonly referred to as “bumper-to-bumper” collisions, remained a persistent challenge, alongside rising cases of speeding and unsafe practices by motorcyclists.
During the GPF’s radio traffic brief on Friday, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, highlighted the issue.
“One of the things that we didn’t get about reducing significantly is the amount of damage accidents, or bumper-to-bumper accidents, if you want to put it. Minor grazes. That is attributed to a lot of impatience by drivers on the road, persons not maybe planning their journeys properly or ahead, and inattentiveness owing to something, some form of distraction.”
To address the issue, the Traffic Department has ambitious plans for 2025, including increased public education campaigns and new enforcement strategies supported by technology.

“I want to make it very clear that the police will continue to serve in the same light, as professional as we are, and with further capacity enhancement opportunities to improve the service we are providing”, he said.
Also on the panel was Assistant Superintendent Raun Clarke of the Georgetown Division, who indicated that the focus will also be placed this year on reckless motorcyclists. He stated that many motorcyclists are failing to wear helmets. Clarke, elaborated: “One of the challenges we had is the motorcyclists who are traversing the roadways without safety helmets. Most of the time when a motorcyclist gets involved in accidents, they suffer severe head injuries.”
Additionally, on the East Bank corridor, a crucial roadway in Regional Division 4B, experienced a troubling increase in speeding. Traffic Officer for the Division, Inspector Michael Ramdass shared the statistics.
“Nine of the 13 fatal accidents in the year 2024 were caused by the driver, who contributed to the accident. He or she lost their lives.” He echoed the concerns about speeding: “Accidents could happen even below the limit or where there is a buildup of traffic, or where many pedestrians are utilising the road. It demands a complete adjustment.”
Meanwhile, the traffic chief explained how 2025 will mark a shift in strategy to combat these issues.
“Our plans for 2025 will focus heavily on creating forward awareness through traffic education, utilising social, print, or electronic media,” Singh said. Technology will also play a critical role in enforcement, with advanced tools such as body cameras and traffic surveillance cameras being deployed. “With these sophisticated pieces of equipment, you will be caught. It’s not about us hiding behind a tree with a radar gun, it’s about ensuring transparency,” Singh emphasised.
In addition to technology, Singh called on drivers to embrace personal responsibility. “Make the adjustment which now is a manifestation of the discipline of you, the driver. If you don’t commit yourselves, we will not have the opportunity to engage you,” he stated.
The Traffic Department plans to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, including the private sector and schools, to educate road users on the importance of safe driving. As Singh put it, “It’s not just about us, the police; it’s all of us. Road safety is everyone’s business.”