Formation of Road Safety Council gains momentum in Region 8

In a move towards enhancing road safety and ensuring the well-being of residents in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), efforts are underway to establish a Road Safety Council for the region.
Traffic Inspector for Regional Police Division Eight, Inspector Noel spearheaded a crucial meeting late last week at the Mahdia Secondary School. During this gathering, Inspector Noel engaged with potential council members, discussing vital matters aimed at creating a safer road environment and raising public awareness regarding road safety.

Key topics covered during the meeting included the formation of a dedicated Road Safety Council tailored to the unique needs of Region 8. Deliberations centred on defining the specific goals and objectives of the Road Safety Council, outlining its intended impact on the region’s road safety landscape.
Participants emphasised the critical need to actively promote safer roadways within the region, highlighting measures to prevent accidents and enhance overall road safety. The council aims to engage in extensive traffic sensitisation programmes, ensuring that the public is well-informed about road safety regulations, best practices, and potential hazards.
Additionally, the council will actively collaborate with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and local communities, to create a safer environment. This collaborative effort intends to work towards a community where road safety is a collective responsibility.
A pivotal role of the Road Safety Council will be to work closely with the Police to address road accident fatalities and tackle other issues related to road safety effectively.
The meeting served as a foundational step toward establishing the Road Safety Council, reflecting the region’s commitment to creating safer roads and fostering a culture of responsible driving.
As efforts progress, the council is poised to play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of residents and travellers within Region Eight.
Earlier this year, the Home Affairs Ministry announced that it has been collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce road accidents and fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030. The National Assembly passed the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill in 2022, which aims to promote and enforce safe driving and impose higher penalties for serious infractions.
The National Road Safety Council’s financial resources have been boosted to over $11 million, aiding in sensitisation and reducing road accidents. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to providing evidence-based road safety knowledge and awareness programmes through advocacy, training, and education, to create a culture of safety among all road users, including young adults.
The Government is also upgrading roads and highways and installing lights and CCTV cameras at strategic points to improve infrastructure and safety.
Augmenting these efforts, the Traffic Department is intensifying efforts to prevent speeding, and urges drivers to exercise caution on the roads, follow traffic laws and regulations, and maintain their vehicles regularly. Safe driving practices such as wearing seatbelts and avoiding distracted driving are emphasised.