GPF launches holistic road safety campaign to curb road accidents

– over 2000 drivers being prosecuted for 2023 – Top Cop
– most fatal accidents occur at night – Min Benn

Exacerbated fatalities and reckless use of the roadways have led to the launch of a new campaign – ‘Respect the Road’ – being undertaken by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a desperate move to reduce accidents.

Launched on Monday, this holistic campaign will focus on education and enforcement for safer roadways in Guyana. Partnering with the GPF are the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Private Sector, telecommunication providers, and non-governmental organisations, among other entities.
For 2023 thus far, over 2000 persons have been charged with ticketing offences, which have exceeded 3000. Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has said that ticketing has not been working to some extent; despite harsher penalties being meted out to defaulters, violation of traffic laws remains high.
Added to this, road fatalities have increased by 30 per cent in 2023, when compared to last year.

He disclosed that the World Health Organization has ranked Guyana at 63rd in road accident deaths, and this is due to the influx of motor vehicles and increased usage of Guyana’s roadways, thus plans have been put in place to sustain this campaign.
“Every day, we witness irresponsible behaviour by operators when using the roads, and that altogether leads to, or has the potential for, tragedies that leave families shattered due to injuries or loss of lives, dreams unfulfilled. I believe that together, as a nation, we can create a difference and create safer roads for all road users,” he declared.
According to the acting Top Cop, speeding, driving under the influence, poor driver behaviour, distracted driving and inadequate infrastructure are some of the factors contributing to the alarming statistics. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists must be separated from motorised traffic, and effective speed management infrastructure must also be in place.
He also disclosed that commanders have been tasked with identifying areas in the regions where speedbumps are needed.

Strategies
From the data in its possession, the Guyana Police Force has recognised that road accidents occur mainly at night, and has therefore split its resources to have a greater presence on the roadways both in the daytime and evening hours.
Hicken has assured, “Whether it is raining or whether it is sunny, you are going to see Traffic men and Policemen standing out there by day and by night…
“Continued collection and analysing of comprehensive road safety data is essential for identifying hotspots, understanding trends, and developing targeted interventions. This data can also be used to create and implement policies, and take proactive steps to reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities,” he explained.
Apart from sensitization campaigns being done at schools and in the public domain, he underscored that vehicles must undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance. Refresher training for drivers is also under the Force’s radar.
“We have not been tracking refresher-driver training for members of the public. Coming out of this launching, we’re going to have people dealing specifically with the driving schools, certification, the way in which we conduct the practical driving exam, GRA and the e-ticketing system,” he said.
Through collaboration with telecommunication providers, drivers will receive SMS in relation to ticketing offences. Hicken declared that the downturn in traffic and crime offences should commence this month.

Offenders
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn pointed out that from weekly statistics, men between the ages of 18 and 42 make up the majority of traffic fatalities or drivers behind road accidents. Trends also include recklessness on the part of motorbikes and e-bike operators, which account for an alarming fraction of accidents.
Benn asserted, “The days are the weekends, from Thursday night to Monday morning, that’s when they kill themselves or kill others. From [18:00h] to midnight, those are also the times when there are accidents and deaths. The most alarming statistics recently have been those related to e-motorbikes and motorcycles.”
He outlined that Police presence plays an important role in reducing road accidents, especially at main intersections. Additionally, public transportation drivers must be held accountable, especially those who imbibe while on the job.
The minister added, “We have to have the main traffic lights working. We have to deal with the usual suspects, the known and repeat offenders. The Policemen and women know those persons. We have to put measures in place that if you’re involved as a public transport provider and you’re involved in a fairly serious accident, your licence should be suspended.” (Rupa Seenaraine)