With a steep increase in the number of fatal road accidents in the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force, are moving to launch another campaign to tackle the reckless use of the country’s roads.
The “Do the Right Thing” campaign will form part of a series of new initiatives being formulated by the Government to address the irresponsible use of the country’s roadways, according to Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.
Since the start of this year, Guyana has recorded more than 120 road fatalities. Just last Friday, former national footballer, Carlyle Hunte and his nine-year-old grandson, Malique Roberts lost their lives in a smash-up along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Speaking to reporters today, the Minister of Home Affairs said speeding and drunk driving remain the two leading causes of road accidents in Guyana.
“I think it is more a question of respecting each other and that adult behavior, young adult behavior, has to be changed. They have to have a greater sense of awareness, they have to be coached, they have to be retrained to bring about a change in this issue,” Minister Benn said.
He said the high number of road accidents remain a major problem and is extremely worrying.
“While there is a reduction in the numbers given the number of journey miles, and the number of vehicles that we have, it is a significant problem, and if we continue in this trend, we would be unable to meet the requirements of the United Nations Decade of Road Safety by reducing road deaths by half by 2030,” Minister Benn said.
Noting that Government and the Police cannot do it alone, Minister Benn said it is also importantant for there to be a collective effort involving NGOs and corporate entities, including Insurance companies, and auto dealerships to assist in raising more awareness on the safe use of the roadways.
Last week, the National Assembly passed the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, greenlighting the implementation of a road safety technology, known as the Road Intelligent Camera Enforcement System, which offers 24-hour surveillance of major roadways.
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