Truck accidents: Fatal crashes up by 20%, non-fatal spike to 31% so far for 2024

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents involving motor trucks/lorries for the period January 1 to August 26, 2024, according to its communications unit.
In providing the statistics, GPF’s Corporate Communications Head, Mark Ramotar, related that in the same period last year, there were 15 fatal accidents involving trucks, and that number has not increased to 18 for 2024. Additionally, there has been a 31 per cent increase in non-fatal accidents involving trucks.
Between January 1 and August 26, 2024, there were 187 incidents involving trucks, compared to 143 in 2023.
As Guyana continues to advance infrastructural development, more and more trucks are utilising the roadways. However, road users are complaining that truck drivers are largely inconsiderate and would operate their vehicles in a dangerous manner.
In April of this year, a mother of three was crushed to death by a low-bed truck at the intersection of Princes and High Street, Georgetown. The dead woman was identified as 36-year-old Nina Williams, also known as Martha Williams, a late resident of Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and formerly of Phillipa Village in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

In July, 52-year-old Limwattie Laljie, also called ‘Savitha’, of Phase 2, Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) lost her life after being involved in an accident with a motor lorry which subsequently ran over her head. According to reports, Laljie was driving motorcycle #CK 6224 along the Mon Repos Railway Embankment Road while the lorry was proceeding in the same direction behind her.
As the lorry was in the process of overtaking the motorcyclist, its left side tray came into contact with the motorcycle, and Laljie was thrown onto the roadway and was run over by the lorry’s left side rear wheels.
In April, owners and operators of trucks and articulated vehicles met with Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) where he revealed a five-point plan to help reduce accidents and issues associated with trucks on the roadways. Some 100 truck drivers, operators, and trailer owners were present at the event which focused on discussing strategies for improving the functioning of trucks and other articulated vehicles on the roadways to prevent accidents and minimise inconvenience to other commuters. Edghill addressed five key points, emphasising the need for reduced speed and better management of noise nuisances, as well as addressing concerns regarding damage to public property and the designated weight requirement for trucks.
He had directed his remarks to Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh and traffic ranks, who were also present at the event, stressing that drivers who are tired should not be allowed to operate vehicles on Guyana’s roadways. The minister urged police officers to intervene if they observe drivers exceeding reasonable hours, emphasising the importance of ensuring that tired drivers do not pose a distinct threat towards every citizen of Guyana.
At the same meeting contractors working on the Good Success to Timehri highway, EBD also raised concerns about the scores of persons, mainly truck drivers, speeding along the roads, where workers are currently carrying out works.