Police Division 3 leads stats in fatal accidents countrywide

– 171 fatalities recorded
– speeding, drunk driving main contributing factors

Over the past few months, a concerning surge in fatal incidents has plagued the roadways of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Siwnarine, who is also the Commander for Division 3, recently revealed that a total of 27 fatal accidents have marred the year so far thus representing a staggering 237 per cent increase in road fatalities.
These statistics have put the region in the lead with the highest percentage of fatal accidents for the year countrywide.
Siwnarine, while addressing the public through the Guyana Police Force’s “Traffic and You” radio programme, shared the disconcerting statistics.

He related that from January 1 to October 8, 2023, the region recorded 138 fatalities from 116 accidents. In addition, he added that 33 lives were lost due to 32 incidents on the roadways, pushing the overall death toll to a devastating 171.
“Currently Region Three is leading in terms of fatal accidents, which is quite unfortunate. We would have had a decrease in all the other categories (accidents) that are serious, minor, and damage but because of that great increase in the fatalities we are currently operating at a positive .5 percent in terms of all categories of accident…,” Siwnarine said.

Analysing the root causes, Siwnarine highlighted the alarming roles played by speeding, drunk driving, and inattentiveness in these calamities. He emphasised the impact of inattentiveness, particularly in fatal accidents, where individuals fail to focus on the road, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
“Indeed, most of our accidents so far in Region Three have been because of inattentiveness, especially the fatal accidents. When we do, do the analysis on those accidents, we have persons not paying attention on the roadway, hence those accidents are caused.”
Additionally, he stated that speeding persisted as a major concern, prompting law enforcement officers to bolster their arsenal with enhanced equipment to combat this issue, along with measures to tackle the issue of driving under the influence.
To confront this crisis head-on, Region Three has intensified breathalyser operations and increased surveillance on local bars.
Siwnarine pleaded with bar owners to exercise caution when serving patrons, especially those who intend to drive. He implored them to refrain from selling alcohol to individuals who exhibit signs of intoxication, emphasising the critical role they play in ensuring the safety of all road users.
“We are urging the bar owners to avoid selling to persons that in your observation would have met that limit and in your view, they are no longer capable of manoeuvring on the road with a vehicle,” he pleaded.
The Guyana Police Force is actively addressing the rise in speeding and drunk driving incidents, recognising the surge in road accidents, especially at night.
Despite increased vehicle numbers, reckless behaviours persist, particularly among young drivers. Just recently, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn expressed concerns about the alarming rate of motorcycle accidents.
Additionally, the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act holds bar owners accountable, imposing fines for selling alcohol to intoxicated individuals likely to drive, with potential prosecutions for offenders.