The frequency of fatal road accidents in Guyana is alarming, and a press conference held by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Friday underscores the urgency of the situation. Despite a slight reduction in numbers, the high death toll — particularly among young men between 18 and 30 — demands immediate and stronger action; we cannot allow this deadly trend to continue unchecked. The rising rate of vehicular accidents, especially involving motorcycles, highlights the gravity of the issue. As Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh pointed out, many accidents occur from Thursday to Tuesday, and there is a concerning disregard for safety measures such as wearing helmets and seatbelts.
While we acknowledge that there are more vehicles on our roads than ever before, it is clear that our infrastructure, though expanding, has not kept pace with this growth. Even more troubling is the pervasive culture of reckless driving, impatience, and failure to plan ahead. These accidents are not just numbers in a report, they represent real lives lost; real families devastated.
Minister Benn’s proposed initiatives, including the “Do the Right Thing” campaign and stricter traffic legislation, are steps in the right direction. Calls for heftier fines, car clamping, and increased police presence are long overdue. However, these measures alone may not be enough; a culture of responsibility and respect for the rules of the road must be cultivated. This is a national issue, and every driver, passenger and pedestrian has a role to play.
National Road Safety Month, November, would provide a critical platform for raising awareness, but the conversation must be extended beyond a single month. Road safety needs to become a priority all year round.
Moreover, the focus should be expanded to encompass all aspects of public safety and security.
It must be remembered that Guyana is committed to the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety, which aims for no more than 50 road deaths annually by 2030. This is an achievable goal, but only if actions are taken now. Public awareness campaigns are vital, but so is enforcement. Without consistent penalties for offenders and genuine efforts being taken to instill safer driving habits, these efforts would fall flat.
The time for tolerance is over. There need be stricter and better enforcement of the law and, most importantly, a shift in mindset. Speeding, reckless driving, and the refusal to use safety equipment are costing too many lives. There should be no waiting until another life is tragically cut short; the future of our roads and the lives of countless Guyanese depend on it.
To truly address this crisis, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Stricter legislation, as outlined by Minister Benn, must be backed by consistent and visible enforcement. The introduction of heftier fines and penalties is a start, but laws are effective only when enforced without exception. Speeding, reckless driving, and the blatant disregard for safety measures have been normalized to a worrying degree. The increased presence of law enforcement officials on key roads, especially during high-risk periods from Thursday to Tuesday, could deter dangerous driving behaviours and save lives.
However, enforcement alone will not be enough; public education and awareness campaigns like the proposed “Do the Right Thing” initiative must be pervasive and persistent. It is crucial to change the mindset of road users, especially young men, who represent the largest group of accident victims. These campaigns need to go beyond warnings and fines; they must appeal to the sense of collective responsibility for the safety of all road users. Highlighting the real-life consequences of reckless driving — families left grieving and futures cut short — can help personalize the issue.
As Guyana’s economy grows and the number of vehicles increases, so, too, are the roads evolving to accommodate this new reality. However, improving signage and ensuring better lighting could help reduce accidents significantly. It is time for a nationwide effort to stop this tragic loss of life.
