As part of the activities tabled for the observation of Road Safety Month 2017, the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday announced the return of the “White Knight” campaign, which is slated to be executed countrywide.
This is as the GPF makes good on recommendations put forth earlier this year which called for the continuation of this initiative, to be implemented in June, all the way through to December.
Traffic Chief Dion Moore, joined by Executive Members of the National Road Safety Council and other stakeholders at the launch of National Road Safety Month 2017
Speaking at the launch of the month of activities, National Road Safety Council Executive Member Owen Trotz outlined that the campaign would be a collaboration between the Traffic Department and members of the Road Safety Council.
“They will have general traffic checks and breathalyser tests and (look out for) people riding bicycles, driving down the roads without lights and so forth,” Trotz said.
This phase of the “White Knight” campaign is expected to kick off in Berbice, then in Essequibo on November 11, eventually moving to Linden on November 19 and wrapping up in Georgetown on November 25.
The Council’s Coordinator, Ramona Doorgen, during the press conference, highlighted that the campaign would focus on awareness and promoting safe practices on the country’s roadways.
“You don’t wanna drink and drive, if you have to drink and drive, designate a driver. So it’s not about us asking you to stop having fun. We’re telling you go ahead and have your fun, but help us to make you safer and the public at large safer,” she noted.
Meanwhile, in addressing the media at the launch on Tuesday, Traffic Chief Dion Moore presented an overview of what was in store for the month of road safety activities.
On that note, Moore indicated, “During the month, you will see an increased presence of Police patrols. A lot of ranks from the offices will be part and parcel of the month’s activities. On some of the days, we will not be enforcing, but rather encouraging drivers to practice safety habits.”
Adding to that, this year’s National Road Safety Month will also see the launch of a Child Restraint Education and Awareness Programs, Road Safety School Patrol Trainings, Defensive Driving Courses, live television programmes along with other public awareness sessions. This will all be topped off with a grand Education and Health Awareness Village booked for November 29 at the Stabroek Market Square.
November has been designated as National Road Safety Month, packed with a list of activities, aimed at ensuring safer roadways so as to reduce the alarming number of casualties and fatalities recorded on a yearly basis.
This year, the observation will officially commence in Berbice on November 1, under the theme: “Making roads safer for everyone starts with you. Observe, think, drive; a second is all it takes to save a life.”
