Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and inattentiveness are among the major causes of road accidents and for the upcoming Christmas season, it is anticipated that there will be a further increase in accidents.
And in order to ensure the necessary rules are followed and the penalties are imposed, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh said a series of new measures will be implemented.
This includes intensified efforts by ranks in all 12 of the policing divisions across the country, an increase in motorcycle and motor vehicle patrol, and fixed point placement along the main thoroughfares.
And to support daily enforcement, Singh said every division has been equipped with the necessary equipment, including radar guns and breathalyser kits.
The Traffic Chief outlined the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department plans on Wednesday at the launch of the Force’s annual Christmas policing plan.
Additionally, he noted that CCTV support will be provided to both patrol and static ranks by the Police Force Command Centre.
“Our intention exactly is to ensure that unhindered flow of all forms of traffic within all regional police divisions, to minimize traffic congestion in and around the particular areas of activities, to conduct continuous awareness programmes, to minimize accident occurrence through visibility, partnership and roving patrols.
“Our roving patrol with CCTV footage will improve the effectiveness of the system by rapidly clearing obstruction either by accidents and/or caused by persons who have made poor parking choices,” Singh said.
According to Singh, for the year so far, the traffic department has recorded 129 fatal accidents; this is 59 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year.
A total of 151 deaths were also recorded. This, Singh said is a 71 per cent climb in when compared to the 88 deaths seen for the comparative period in 2022.
Pedal cyclists account for most deaths followed by motorcyclists and drivers.
“Our enforcement teams are deployed to detect and to take condign action for prevalent offences, especially at this time. Speeding and driving under the influence,” Singh said.
Singh is urging citizens to desist from speeding, consume alcohol responsibly or use a designated driver, manage the movement of cargo and focus on their safety as well as others when using the roadways.
