Since the start of the year, the Guyana Police Force has recorded 16 deaths on the country’s roadways as a result of vehicular accidents, and that number represents a 100% increase in the road fatality rate when compared to the same period a year ago.
The 16 fatalities have been recorded from 8 accidents. Of the 16 persons killed on the roadways so far for this year, 7 were motorcyclists and 4 were pedestrians. The other fatalities included cyclists and persons in vehicles.
In expressing its grave concern about the situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement on Tuesday said the increase in road fatalities appears to be a daily occurrence.
Reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without due care and attention, and driving while tired are some of the causes noted for the increase in road accidents and road deaths.
The Home Affairs Ministry said it is concerned that the the five Cs’- Care, Caution, Courtesy, Consideration and Commonsense – of road use have been forgotten or are being ignored altogether by many motorists.
Noting that the high number of road accidents and road deaths are simply unacceptable, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it is continuously collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce road accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2030.
Through advocacy, training, and education, the Ministry has expressed its committment to providing evidence-based road safety knowledge and awareness programmes to create a culture of safety among all road users and address high-risk behaviours among young adults and the broader road-using community.
It is also looking to the private sector for cooperation in promoting road safety awareness.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also encouraging motorists to wear their seatbelts and motorcyclists to always wear their helmets, as both are required by law and will aid in the safer use of the roadways.
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