In an effort to curb reckless driving on the roadways, Inspector Gavin Boyce, the Traffic Officer of Regional Division 4A (Georgetown), has raised concerns about the challenges posed by young motorists aged 28 to 35.
Boyce, on Wednesday, highlighted the distinction between individuals who consider driving a profession and those who treat it as a mere hustle, emphasising the need for adherence to traffic laws.
Inspector Gavin Boyce, Traffic Officer of Regional Division 4A, and Sergeant Lyte discussing traffic in Georgetown
He expressed his observations regarding the growing trend of individuals driving minibuses professionally, yet there are others who view driving as a casual means of income, often disregarding traffic regulations.
“Some just see it as a hustle; they come to drive today and hustle, and whatever happens, happens… but the law is forever. When we find these persons who are driving buses breaking the laws, we take appropriate action,” he said.
He elaborated on the measures taken by law enforcement, mentioning their approach to vehicle owners if the vehicle is entrusted to someone else. By involving vehicle owners, the Police aim to hold both drivers and owners accountable for any violations.
“During enforcements, if we realise that someone is driving a bus in a dangerous or reckless manner, we engage the owner and inform them that the property they have entrusted to the driver is not safe in their hands. They must either take it back, or if the driver continues, we will take appropriate action,” he added.
Boyce also highlighted a concerning trend where drivers tail emergency vehicles and equip their own vehicles with colored lights. He expressed his astonishment at the ingenuity of some drivers who have resorted to using switches or remotes to deactivate these lights when they encounter the Police.
“You take the right of way if an emergency vehicle is trying to pass. Some individuals tend to drive behind these vehicles to navigate through traffic easily. When we observe this as a law enforcement agency, we take appropriate action,” he said.
“Stricter the Government, wiser the population. People are now aware that we have increased our patrols by night and we are addressing vehicles with lights that impede others’ vision at night… during enforcement exercises, you may encounter a vehicle with blue lights, but by the time it approaches, the lights turn white…,” he added.
He further urged citizens to be vigilant and report any instances of reckless driving, coloured lights, or unauthorised use of emergency vehicle lights.
Commander of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Division, Khali Pareshram had previously said vehicles affixed with coloured lights were considered unfit and warned that defaulting drivers would be prosecuted.
There has been an apparent increase in the number of vehicles affixed with coloured lights, which pose a danger to other road users. These lights can be blinding and distracting to other road users and can lead to major accidents.
Regulation 34 (1) (a) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02 states: “Every motor vehicle, the width of which does not exceed seven feet, other than a two-wheeled motorcycle not having a sidecar attached thereto and an invalid carriage, on any road, during the hours of darkness shall carry two lamps, each showing to the front a white light visible from a reasonable distance.” (G9)
