In 2024, Guyana has witnessed a decline in both fatal accidents and resultant deaths, according to recent data released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The GPF Public Relations Officer, Mark Ramotar conveyed this information to journalists on Wednesday.
According to the data released, between January 1 and May 14, 2024, there were 78 reported fatal accidents and incidents, marking a decrease from the 84 incidents recorded during the same period in 2023. Correspondingly, the number of fatalities resulting from these accidents has also decreased, with 91 fatalities reported in 2024 compared to 95 in 2023.
These statistics indicate an improvement in road safety nationwide, reflecting collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including the GPF, to mitigate road traffic accidents and promote public awareness of safety protocols.
However, the statistic comes one day after six persons died in a head-on collision at Long Creek, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
Earlier this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali pledged to address the issue of traffic accidents on Guyana’s roads through comprehensive road safety and traffic management strategies. He emphasised the need for a national dialogue on this matter, leading to the implementation of new laws, regulations, and technological interventions to curb road accidents.
Despite previous legislative efforts, such as tightening laws regarding alcohol consumption by motorists in 2022, challenges persist. Instances of traffic law violations, particularly by motorcyclists, remain a concern for police commanders across all administrative regions.
Additionally, enforcement of laws against drunk driving faces obstacles, as evidenced by the substantial number of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases recently reported by the GPF.
A month ago, the GPF reported 41,358 cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) were made out against errant drivers between January 1 and April 22, 2024. Of this number, 449 were brought before the courts, with the Police securing 153 convictions.
Pedestrians in certain areas, notably Georgetown, encounter difficulties accessing pavements due to vehicle obstruction or occupation by vendors. Non-functional traffic lights and speeding minibuses have also posed further hazards, impacting commuter safety.
Addressing these challenges the Police Force has launched a multi-faceted approach, encompassing stringent enforcement of existing laws, public education campaigns, and swift legal processes for traffic law violators.
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