The commencement of the Guyana Police Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference brings with it a renewed focus on one of the nation’s most pressing issues—road safety. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has charged the top brass of the country’s premier law enforcement agency with developing a clear and effective strategy to curb the persistent lawlessness on Guyana’s roadways. His call for a holistic approach underscores the urgency of the matter and the necessity for a multi-faceted solution.
At the heart of this strategy lies the recognition that road safety is not a singular issue but one that requires comprehensive intervention. As President Ali rightly pointed out, tackling traffic indiscipline necessitates a foundation built on infrastructure, investment, enforcement, education, accountability, and partnerships. These six pillars must be at the core of any strategy aimed at fostering safer roadways and ensuring that all road users adhere to the rules.
While progress has been made, with a reported 21 per cent reduction in fatal accidents by the end of 2024, there remains a long road ahead, particularly in addressing the reckless behavior of truck drivers. The President aptly highlighted the anxiety many road users experience, especially when traveling on highways frequented by heavy-duty trucks. The fact that younger, less experienced drivers are now behind the wheels of these massive vehicles presents a significant safety hazard. Unlike motorcars, trucks require advanced skills in handling, braking, and maneuvering, particularly when carrying heavy loads. The reality that many of these young drivers lack the necessary experience is deeply concerning and must be addressed as a matter of priority.
Rapid economic growth has inevitably led to a shortage of experienced drivers, which, in turn, has contributed to the increasing prevalence of underqualified individuals operating commercial vehicles. However, economic progress must not come at the expense of road safety. Stricter training and certification requirements for truck drivers must be enforced to ensure that only those with the requisite skills and knowledge are allowed to operate these potentially deadly machines.
In recent years, significant steps have been taken to modernise traffic management. The introduction of the e-ticketing system, surveillance cameras, and speed indicators has enhanced enforcement efforts. However, President Ali has acknowledged that these measures alone are not enough. While ideally, societal awareness and self-discipline should drive behavioral change, the persistent disregard for road rules suggests that harsher penalties may be necessary.
The proposal to suspend drivers’ licenses after three speeding violations, particularly for truck drivers, is a move in the right direction. It sends a clear message that reckless driving will not be tolerated. Additionally, the President’s call for the Attorney General to review existing legislation to hold truck owners accountable is an important move. Employers must bear responsibility for ensuring that their drivers are well-trained and compliant with traffic laws. Holding both drivers and their employers accountable will foster a culture of responsibility within the transportation sector.
Last November, when President Ali announced sweeping measures against errant road users, he did so with the firm conviction that indiscipline on Guyana’s roads could no longer be allowed to persist. At that time, only 18 licenses had been suspended for the year, a figure that was not reflective of the magnitude of speeding violations occurring daily. This highlights the need for more robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure that road users who flout the law face real consequences.
Beyond legislative reforms, road safety education must be prioritized at every level of society. Public awareness campaigns, community engagements, and driver education programs should be intensified to instill a culture of responsible driving. The reckless behaviors exhibited on Guyana’s roads are not just a matter of individual irresponsibility but a reflection of deeper societal attitudes towards road use and enforcement. Changing this culture requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including law enforcement, policymakers, businesses, and civil society.
The time for half-measures has long passed. If Guyana is to truly address the lawlessness on its roadways, decisive action must be taken now. Stronger penalties, improved enforcement, better training for commercial drivers, and greater accountability for trucking companies are all critical components of a comprehensive road safety strategy. The Guyana Police Force must rise to the challenge set by President Ali.
