TRAFFIC enforcement has shown marked improvement in the year 2008, despite the continued high instances of speeding on the roadways.

Statistics released by the Guyana Police Force, through its publicity department, indicated that the Force’s zero tolerance campaign dubbed “Operation Safeway” was the leading cause for this drastic improvement in law and order on the roads.

Through this operation, which began on October 25, 2007, the Traffic Department has netted more than 85,000 thousand defaulters, involving a total of 22,845 incidents, and the main offence was speeding..

The other offences included those of overloaded minibus – 6,427, failure to wear safety helmet – 887, failure to wear seat belt – 2,330, unlicensed driver – 2,168, tinted vehicle – 259, dangerous driving – 597, unlighted bicycle – 1,052, careless driving -365, breach of road service licence – 1,404, breach of traffic light signal – 1,193, obstruction – 789, stopping within 30 feet of a corner – 932, failure to exhibit revenue licence – 1,350 and 631 cases of unlicensed conductor.

Meanwhile, the 113 deaths by accident recorded for 2008 indicate a reduction of 45 percent compared to the 207 deaths in 2007, while the number of fatal accidents last year was reduced to 99 from that of 169 the year before. The record also shows a 77 percent reduction in the number of children that died on the roads compared to 2007.

Of those persons who died on the roads for 2008, 38 were pedestrians, 13 pedal cyclists, 18 motor cyclists, 12 passengers in cars, 14 drivers, six van occupants, five pillion riders and seven passengers in minibuses.

The categories of vehicles involved in these accidents were primarily private. The record reflects 28 were cars, 20 motor lorries, 21 motor cycles, 14 bicycles, 25 minibuses, nine motor pick-ups, 12 hire cars, three tractor and trailers, three jeeps and three motor- vans.

The main cause for accidents were given as speeding, of which the Police recorded 53 cases, as well as nine drunk driving, 12 inattentiveness, 11 swerving, eight cases of illegally crossing the roadways and six for non-conformity to signs.

These figures, when compared with those for the past 39 years, are the lowest.

This achievement is being attributed to the enhanced traffic education via the media and in schools, as well as the acquisition and use of radar guns which have had an impact on speeding, resulting in some level of compliance by motorists, as well as the enforcement of the law in relation to provisional drivers’ licences.

The increase in monetary fines for specific traffic offences where traffic tickets are issued and the enacting of new legislation as it relates to driving while under the influence of alcohol, as well as the non-use of mobile phones while driving, were also named as major contributors in controlling the traffic situation.

The Ministry of Public Works and Communication, the National Road Safety Council, the Traffic Advisory Committee and other stakeholders were also named as providing invaluable assistance to the Force.

The Police are urging all road-users to continue to observe the five Cs of road use – Care, Courtesy, Caution, Common-sense, and Consideration. (Delana Isles)