Police Division 3 records decline in fatal accidents, deaths – Traffic Officer

– says speeding & driving under the influence is very dangerous combination

Through various initiatives implemented by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), there has been a reduction in fatal accidents and deaths in Regional Division Three: Essequibo Islands/West Demerara.
Assistant Superintendent Maniram Jagnanan made this disclosure during a recent televised programme wherein he delved into traffic updates for the respective areas within this division.

While conceding that even one death is too many, he said there has been a decline in fatal accidents from January to August, compared to the same period in the previous year.
“I can safely say that during last year, from January 4 to August 15, 2023, we had an amount of 19 fatal accidents, which resulted in 24 deaths…For the same period in 2024, we have had 11 fatal accidents, resulting in 11 deaths…this showed that we have a great reduction,” he stated.
Jagnanan is encouraging drivers to always prioritize safety when using the roadways. “Do not consume alcohol and drive; do not speed; always pay attention to the roadway; and ensure that your vehicles are in fit and service-level condition, so that if you have to apply your brakes to avoid an accident, so be it.”
He has also advised police officers to have more conversation with drivers who are speeding, while at the same time cautioning drivers to not verbally insult police officers.
“Look, you are speeding, and this is one of the things that (are) contributing to the road carnage…Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol together is a very dangerous combination. Nothing is wrong if the officer gives you a ticket or a warning, but do not try to insult or belittle them,” he has admonished drivers.
Additionally, he noted that the GPF is keen on documentation of vehicles in regard to fitness, insurance, and revenue.
“Officers must be able to talk with persons as it relates to documentation for their vehicles. Insurance, fitness, and revenue licence along with driver’s licence must be intact. Our aim and objective is to educate and enforce at the same time…We are consistently and persistently going out to communities and teaching them about road safety because we want our lives, especially young lives, to be preserved. Because our country is rapidly developing, and we want our young folks to enjoy what this country has in store for you,” Jagnanan has said.
Earlier this month, acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken revealed that there has been a reduction in the total amount of fatal accidents when compared to the same period last year.
He said the GPF had recorded 74 fatal accidents in 2023 and 56 in 2024. In addition, 84 deaths were recorded in 2023 and 67 in 2024, while 187 serious accidents were recorded in 2023 and 178 in 2024.