Road deaths increase despite overall drop in accidents – GPF traffic figures show

Road fatalities in Guyana rose slightly in 2025, even as the overall number of accidents declined, according to newly released annual statistics from the Guyana Police Force (GPF). For the full reporting year, January 1 to December 31, 2025, 137 people lost their lives on the nation’s roads, up from 132 in 2024 and marking a four per cent increase in deaths, while the number of fatal collisions climbed from 117 to 124, a six per cent rise.
The overall picture for road safety, however, shows positive movement away from previous years’ figures. Traffic data confirm that total road accidents fell from 2405 in 2024 to 2177 in 2025, representing a 10 per cent drop in collisions across all categories.
Nonfatal incidents made up the bulk of this reduction, with serious collisions decreasing from 303 to 286, minor accidents from 515 to 408, and damageonly accidents from 1467 to 1288.
Despite these gains, the persistence of high fatality counts remains a concern for road safety advocates and officials. Earlier in 2025, preliminary halfyear data showed a troubling trend of increased deaths and fatal accidents, as the first six months saw 58 persons die in road collisions, a rise compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Speeding and inattentiveness were highlighted among the main contributing factors at that stage.
The increase in road deaths comes against a backdrop of broader national efforts aimed at changing driver behaviour and improving compliance with traffic laws. In 2024, authorities launched comprehensive road safety campaigns, including public education initiatives and the incorporation of more advanced traffic enforcement technologies such as smart cameras and automated ticketing systems, which were credited with issuing thousands of speeding citations in 2025 and deterring some unsafe practices on major roadways.
At the same time, stakeholders have been pressing for deeper cultural shifts in road use. Government officials and safety advocates have repeatedly urged motorists to adopt safer driving practices and for the public to share responsibility for reducing road trauma. Efforts have included discussions on enhancing the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, expanding lighting and roadmarking improvements, and introducing stiffer penalties for serious violations.
The 2025 road traffic figures, with lower total accidents but slightly higher fatalities, portray a complex road safety environment in which overall collision frequency has declined, while the severity of some outcomes has remained stubbornly high.
Authorities are expected to consider these trends in the coming year as they refine strategies designed to reduce not only the number of accidents but also the toll on human life in Guyana.
This year’s official statistics follow a recent fatal road accident that occurred on Friday. According to reports, a 21yearold welder was crushed by a turning lorry on the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara.
The deceased has been identified as Jeremiah Shameem Latiff, also known as “Nicholas”, also of Bagotstown, EBD, who celebrated his 21st birthday on December 31. He was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital, making him one of the latest victims in ongoing concerns linked to road safety in Guyana.