Road fatalities increased by 33%; speeding remains main factor

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Police Force has recorded a 33% increase in road fatalities at the end of October 2014 when compared for the corresponding period in 2013.

One hundred and thirteen road fatalities from 104 accidents have been recorded at the end of October 2014 in comparison to 85 fatalities from 79 accidents for the same period in 2013; a 33% increase.

The Force cited Pedestrians as the main road users affected with 50 such persons having lost their lives at the end of October 2014. In addition, 20 motor cyclists, 16 pedal cyclists, 11 drivers, 15 persons travelling in motor vehicles and one person being towed on a bicycle also lost their lives.

According to the Police Force, speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents and was the cause of 65 of the 104 fatal accidents recorded at the end of October 2014.  

As such, Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 58,654 cases being made against errant motorists at the end of October 2014; of this total, 16,126 cases were for speeding.

To date, nine persons have lost their lives from nine fatal accidents during this month – November 2014.

The Force says it remains “extremely concerned at this loss of lives, serious injuries and economic and social impact resulting from road accidents for which the major contributory factors have been speeding, drunk driving and inconsiderate use of the roads.”

In this regard, additional emphasis is being placed on this phenomenon.

“Cognizant of the volume of vehicular traffic using the roadways, the Police Force with significant support from other stakeholders inclusive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, the Guyana National Road Safety Council and Road Safety Associations in Police Divisions, in addition to enforcement, has been placing considerable emphasis on the education of road users to practice the safe use of the roads.”

However, in the media release, the force stressed that, “It is necessary for all civic minded groups and individuals to lend their voices and support in the overall effort at curbing the situation. Road safety is everybody’s business and everyone needs to play their part in ensuring that the roads are used safely.”

Meanwhile, the force said a review of the statistics for the past five years indicated that from January 2010 to date a total of 574 persons have lost their lives due to road fatalities. Of this number 209 were pedestrians, 97 motorcyclists and 85 pedal cyclists.

“In total this vulnerable group, that has little or no protection in the event of an accident, comprises some 68% of the road fatalities for that period.”

The Force says its Traffic Department will continue to work assiduously in regard to traffic enforcement and education.

“However, at the same time, the Police Force exhorts everyone to watch out for each other on the roadways and actively subscribe to being your ‘brother’s keeper’ in the relentless efforts to ensure better use of the roads.”