Motorists urged to watch for animals on roadway, obey speed limits

Police in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are urging motorists to exercise greater caution on the roadways, particularly during the rainy season, when cattle are more likely to stray onto public roads, and as speeding continues to be a major cause of accidents.

Speaking during a recent episode of ‘Road Safety and You’ programme, Inspector Nicolson, who is stationed at the Mahaicony Police Station, highlighted concerns about cattle wandering onto roadways due to flooding in backdam areas.

“We have an issue of cattle on the roadway because of the rainy season… the back dams are flooded so the cattle would look for higher ground and sometimes end up on the road,” he said.

As a result, motorists are being urged to remain vigilant while travelling, especially in areas where livestock are known to roam.

“So we are appealing to drivers to look out for these animals,” Inspector Nicolson said.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Reynolds, the Traffic Officer in Charge of the Weldaad Police Station, said speeding remains one of the leading causes of road accidents.

“Most accidents are caused by speeding,” he said.

He encouraged motorists to obey traffic laws and exercise patience while driving. “So I would advise drivers to take your time on the road, apply the 5Cs, drive within the speed limit because there are signs erected on the roadways,” Sergeant Reynolds said.

The traffic officer also warned drivers to be extra cautious during the night when visibility is reduced, and animals may be present on the road.

Additionally, he cautioned against driving under the influence of alcohol, describing it as another significant contributor to road crashes.

“Most accidents are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol especially during the nights,” Reynolds said, adding, “I would advice them to don’t drink and drive and be careful on the road.”