Just over a month since the launch of Operation Safeway, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) says it has recorded 7,417 cases against drivers for various offences.
According to the police, 4,125 drivers were randomly tested for alcohol, with 3,696 during the night. Of the total, 628 were found above the legal limit. The drivers were all charged and 329 have been fined, in addition to their licences endorsed and a notable number suspended.
In addition, 821 persons were charged for Tinted vehicles, driving unlicensed, private hire, using cell phones while driving, failing to wear seat belts, failing to wear safety helmets and breach of traffic light signals.
With regards to accidents, it was revealed that from January 1st to October 20th, 2016, ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) recorded 31 accidents which caused 33 deaths, two of them being children.
Of those accidents, 29 occurred before Operation Safeway was implemented on September 15, while two occurred after. The two accidents between September 15 and October 20, 2016 saw three deaths.
Overall analysis shows seven fatal accidents between September 15 and October 20, 2016 across the country compared to 12 in 2015, 25 serious accidents compared to 37 during the same period in 2015, 35 minor accidents compared to 44 during the same period in 2015 and 42 accidents where damages were incurred compared to 56 in 2015.
