Road safety campaign launched amid notable decrease in fatal accidents

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department officially launched the 2024 Road Safety Campaign on November 1, coinciding with the designation of November as Road Safety Month.

The campaign, themed “Do the Right Thing,” began with an inter-faith church service held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe in Eve Leary.

Attendees included Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, and several senior police officials, alongside representatives from various religious and community organizations.

During the service, religious leaders offered prayers for the safety of road users and the police officers committed to reducing accidents and fatalities.

Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh highlighted the positive impact of ongoing road safety efforts, revealing that there have been 32 fewer fatal accidents and 44 fewer deaths since last year’s campaign. Singh reported that, as of early November 2023, the country had recorded 123 fatal accidents and 144 fatalities.

“Exactly one year ago, in this very venue, we offered many prayers. Today, we are reporting a significant reduction in tragic incidents on our roadways,” Singh stated, urging continued vigilance and improvement.

While acknowledging the progress made, Singh emphasized that the reduction in fatalities should not be seen as a complete success, indicating that further efforts are necessary to ensure safer roads for all.

The collaborative efforts of the Traffic Department, community stakeholders, and public education initiatives remain essential in the ongoing pursuit to enhance road safety across Guyana.