Jagdeo calls for collaborative approach to reduce road accidents

With 114 persons dead as a result of road accidents this year, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is urging for more education and stronger regulations to curb the scourge.

At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo called for a collaborative approach including Government, the Opposition and civil society.

“This is not a political issue, we have to work, everyone, on this matter – Government, Opposition, whoever –there is carnage on our roads and we have to find a way of stopping it,” the Opposition Leader said.

He added that “it’s a combination of education, strong regulations, taking tough actions and the people…have to take personal responsibility for these issues.”

President David Granger on Thursday issued a statement in which he also outlined the need for more stringent enforcement of traffic laws including those proscribing driving under the influence of alcohol, playing distracting music and the use of cellular phones while driving.

Twenty-one persons, including three children, died as a result of 15 road accidents in November with the major cause being speeding.

For the year 114 persons, nine of whom were children, were killed in 97 road accidents. Thirty of those killed in accidents so far this year were pedestrians.