Govt drafts tougher penalties for reckless driving

– in push for road safety transformation, better road safety culture

To curb traffic accidents and fatalities, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, announced plans to engage the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers to introduce stricter penalties for reckless driving. The announcement came during the Road Safety Awareness Walk 2025, held under the theme “Careful Driving Saves Lives” at the Kingston Seawall Bandstand.

Addressing a gathering of officials, community leaders and families affected by traffic accidents on Sunday, Minister Walrond emphasised that policy alone cannot change behaviour, but it can set the framework for accountability. “We are pushing for stronger penalties…we have already engaged the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Attorney General Chambers and we have a draft in hand as well,” she said, underlining the government’s proactive approach. The Minister explained that these measures are part of a broader strategy to strengthen enforcement and promote a culture of responsibility on the roads. She highlighted ongoing collaboration with the traffic authorities, noting, “Under the leadership of the commissioner, he has taken the bold step to make sure that everyone is accountable, and he has the full support of our Government.”
Minister Walrond also stressed the importance of education and awareness in reducing road accidents. “We are expanding both safety and education…I see every day, the assistant commissioner sending me pictures of what they are doing in the regions to educate our children,” she said. While acknowledging progress in traffic management over the years, the Minister stressed that every death on the roads is preventable and unacceptable. “One death is too many…we honour the victims, continue to support the family and reaffirm that these accidents are tragedies that we have the power to prevent,” she stated. The new legislative initiative aims to make penalties for reckless driving more efficient to enforce, including suspension of licences and stiffer fines for offenders, addressing challenges with current enforcement procedures. “Especially for those who recklessly seek not to adhere to the law…there’s something called reckless negligence…if you cause a life to be lost, it is reckless, and it ought to be considered for stiffer penalties,” the Minister added. The Road Safety Awareness Walk brought together members of the public, officials and representatives from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Customs and other agencies, underlining the collective effort required to build a road culture grounded in accountability, respect, and the value of human life. Minister Walrond concluded by calling for transformation, not just remembrance, urging citizens to make safer choices on the road. “Let us honour those we lost, not only with remembrance, but with transformation,” she said.
As of September 2025, more than 81 people have died in road accidents across Guyana so far this year, Police said. Police data show a total of 1,049 accidents of all categories – fatal, minor, and damage, compared with 1,076 during the same period in 2024. While speeding remains the leading cause of crashes, it was reported that inattentiveness has surged by nearly 600 per cent compared with last year. The GPF urged drivers to practice defensive driving and show greater courtesy to vulnerable road users.