TRAFFIC Chief Dion Moore on Friday urged motorists to desist from driving while under the influence of alcohol as he alluded to the recent fatal accidents last weekend in which six persons were killed on the roadways.

Speeding, drunk driving and inattentiveness were the major contributors. Moore was at the time speaking at the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department year-end press conference which was held at Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Superintendent Moore told the press conference that road safety depends on all road users and is not only confined to drivers but pedestrians as well “and we must adopt a sense of responsibility when using the roads.” He said, “If you imbibe you must have a designated driver who does not consume alcohol because if you drink and drive things will not end in your favour and you will put your life and that of others at risk. Do the right thing, wear your helmets when riding motorcycles don’t just fasten it on your bike wear it correctly.”

Moore said that they have embarked on several initiatives and called for support and cooperation in an effort to reduce road accidents. The Traffic Chief told the press conference that the GPF had recorded a 20% decrease in fatal accidents at the end of November, 2017. He noted that serious and minor and damage accidents have been reduced by 10.1%, 8.3% and 19%. Moore said speeding, speeding whilst driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness were the three main causes of the fatal accidents, followed by failing to confirm to sign and pedestrian crossing in the path of approaching vehicles.

Additionally, he disclosed that between January 01 to November 30, 2017 69,976 cases were made of which 23,616 were charged for speeding; 3,297 for breach of condition road service licence/music, 1,751 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1,051 for using cell phone while driving; 1,062 for breach of traffic light signal; 1,543 for tinted motor vehicles, 701 for unlicensed drivers, 1,880 for failing to wear seat belt; 1,050 for dangerous driving; 1,105 for careless driving, 739 for failing to wear safety helmet; 1,979 for overloaded mini bus; 1,519 for obstruction; 1834 for failing to confirm to sign; 1660 for crossing double yellow line and 25, 189 for other offences.

Traffic Engineer attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kester Hines said they will continue to partner with other like-minded organisations to save lives on the roadways by erecting road signs, signals, road markings, guard rails etc. He stated that they are playing their part in terms of the engineering aspect of road safety and they have since erected bill boards for all categories of road users.

In addition, they have installed highway lights in regions Two, Five and Six and painted road markings on all public roads across the country and have constructed five pedestrian overpass which will be outfitted with lifts/elevators and also completed the sidewalk on Carifesta Avenue. Hines noted that additional lights will be installed in Berbice shortly and they will continue to play their part in road safety.