GPF recorded over 2700 traffic violations last week

– DUI cases remain a concern for Traffic Dept

Last week, Guyana witnessed a surge in traffic violations with a staggering 2734 cases reported across the nation. From speeding offences to cases of driving under the influence (DUI), the roadways of Guyana faced an onslaught of infractions, raising alarm bells among authorities and safety advocates.
Among the notable statistics, last Monday, Thursday, and Friday emerged as the days with the highest daily cases, recording 535, 457, and 447 violations respectively, pointing to a worrying trend of heightened road transgressions towards the end of the week.
Speeding, a perennial road safety concern , continued to plague Guyana’s highways, with law enforcement issuing a total of 630 speeding tickets during the reporting period. Furthermore, DUI cases remained a significant issue, with 29 incidents reported.
Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) accounted for 14 DUI cases during the period, while Police Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara) recorded a concerning spike of 14 cases on Saturday alone.
A regional breakdown of total traffic cases revealed that Division 4B (East Bank Demerara) topped the list with 571 reported cases, followed closely by 4C (East Coast Demerara) with 507 cases.
Police Divisions Six (East Berbice Corentyne), 4A (Georgetown), and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) also experienced a substantial number of infractions, recording 435, 409, and 316 cases respectively.
In response to these alarming figures, efforts to raise awareness and promote road safety were intensified, according to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Sensitisation programmes were conducted via various media channels, including NCN and Radio Eve Leary, focusing on accident prevention strategies and responsible road usage.
Additionally, a collaborative effort involving stakeholders from the National Road Safety Council, Regional Road Safety Councils, private security firms, and transportation associations convened to discuss proactive measures to curb road-related incidents.
Community engagement initiatives, such as lectures and outreach activities, were also undertaken by traffic ranks to educate drivers and pedestrians on the importance of adhering to road regulations.
However, despite these concerted efforts, the incidence of fatal accidents showed no signs of abating, underscoring the urgent need for sustained vigilance and compliance with road safety protocols.
As Guyana grapples with this surge in traffic violations, motorists and pedestrians alike are urged to exercise caution and observe the fundamental principles of road safety. With speeding identified as a primary cause of accidents, the Police Force said all road users must prioritise safety and exercise restraint behind the wheel.
Only through collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to road safety can Guyana hope to stem the tide of traffic-related incidents and safeguard the lives of its citizens.