GPF to focus on proper use of roadways

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is in the process of launching Road Safety Week 2018, aimed at paying key attention to the use of the roadways by pedestrians, motorcyclists and drivers.
Speaking with media operatives, Deputy Superintendent Dennis Stephen related that the activity will be launched on November 25 to save as many lives as possible.
“On the 25th of November, we will be launching our Road Safety Week with the theme: ‘stop accidents before they stop you; be alert, accidents hurt’.”
His advice to all road users is, “We’re imploring all road users to use the road with care, observe the traffic and that will be able to save lives on our roadway.”
The United Nations is known for its observance of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on the third Sunday in November. On that day, the National Road safety Council of Guyana will be hosting a walk in tribute to those who would

have died.
Coordinator Ramona Doergen indicated that this day is also celebrated to acknowledge medical personnel and first responders who are tasked with providing services at the scene of an accident.
“It’s not just for people that die on the roadway. It’s for people who go out on the crash sites, the media, Police [and] doctors. We want to encourage persons to come out under the theme “Roads have stories, let’s make it happy endings,” she said.
The GPF had disclosed that up to October 11, 2018, there were a total of 90 road fatalities, with September accounting for a shocking 22 deaths.
There were decreases in serious, minor and damage accidents, with 31.5 per cent (184 cases against 269 last year), 46 per cent (21 against 405 cases) and 27.1 per cent (526 against 722) respectively.
However, pedestrians were once again named as the main category of road users killed, with 31 such persons having lost their lives at the end of September. Car occupants followed with 20 cases, then pedal cyclists with 15 cases, and motorcyclists with 11 cases.
Four drivers were killed and one pillion rider, while two minibus occupants and two persons towed on bicycles also lost their lives on the roadways.
The Police chose to highlight that speeding continues to be the major contributing factor to road accidents, causing 36 of the fatal accidents that occurred during those nine months. This is trailed by inattentiveness with 16 cases, drunk driving with 12 cases, pedestrians crossing in the path of approaching vehicles with eight cases, and one case of failure to confirm to road sign.
These alarming numbers gives an additional reason why persons should adhere to traffic signs and obey speed limits on Guyana’s roadways.