GPF better equipped to deal with road accidents

…as police force receives 20 high technology tablets

Roadways all across the length and breadth of Guyana will soon experience better management of road accidents with the new implementation of some 20 high technology tablets.
These tablets were provided via loan from the Inter Development Bank (IDB).
As part of that loan agreement there was a component that dealt with road safety, thus purchase of the equipment.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Friday said, police can use the tablets to sound judgment following accidents.
“These tablets are intended to be used in a collaborative effort for us to be able to capture, the information as it relates to accidents. It would help us to formulate policies, bring the necessary changes and ensuring that we have a safter road use and safer communities,” the minister said at the handing over ceremony which was held at the ministry’s boardroom, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.“The provision of data, because decision making is based on empirical data and once we have empirical data it will be able to guide us, that means that we will not be guessing,” he pointed out, while exemplifying the benefits of the devices by using practical references stating how it can also save lives.
“Let’s say in a six months period you have accidents happening in a particular spot, this information will direct and show you that you might make geometric improvement in the road in one area or it might show you that there is a blind spot we might need to make certain interventions to save a spot, because once you save one life, you saved a lot….no one deserves to die on our roadways.”
On this note, Head of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Superintendent Brian Lowenfield, who received the tablets on behalf of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated that this new implementation comes in a great time where Artificial Intelligence is prevalent – alluding to the fact that they will be able to handle accidents swifter with the help of technology.
Before these devices are handed over, there will be a training on August 27 teaching officers how to properly use the devices.
In the unprecedented case of any possible accidents that may happen on the roadways, and once there is a Police officer with one of these tablets in his or her possession, they will be required to input the type of accident into the device’s database, its severity and loss of life if any.
Upon reaching back to the police station and once connected to the WIFI, tabulation can be undertaken.
From this tabulated info the Guyana police Force will formulate engineering measures to further protect the specified area in terms of road safety. (G2)