Development helps to overcome many socio-economic problems but unfortunately it brings with it other bugbears which sometimes seem insurmountable. One such problem which almost every country experiences is the upsurge in traffic congestion and accidents resulting from the burgeoning number of vehicles, and in most cases the incomparable development of road networks.

R. A. Dixey in his paper `Fatalism’, accident causation and prevention: issues for health promotion from an exploratory study in a Yoruba town, Nigeria notes:

“Countries experiencing the so-called `epidemiological transition’, comprising a decline in mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, tend to witness an increase in the relative importance of fatal and non-fatal injuries. Unintentional injury rates in developing countries have increased to become a significant cause of premature death and morbidity (Bradley et al., 1992; Zwi, 1993; Murray and Lopez, 1994). Injuries from road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the most significant problem, so much so that motor vehicle-related mortality has been described as a `disease of development’ (Wintemute, 1985). There have been `Dramatic increases in the proportion and absolute number of traffic fatalities in a number of developing countries’ [see Odero et al., p. 445 (Odero et al., 1997)]. The number of vehicles in developing countries is increasing (Varma et al., 1992). Of all road deaths occurring globally each year, 74% are in developing countries and there has been a 5-fold increase in traffic-related deaths in Nigeria over the last 30 years (Odero et al., 1997). Moreover, there is a fatality per accident rate which can be 20 times higher than in developed countries (Jacobs and Sayer, 1983). Although a focus on RTAs is essential [by 1982 these accounted for 10% of deaths between the ages of 5 and 44 in 11 developing countries (Jacobs and Sayer, 1983)], for children, the role of domestic accidents is also crucial. In Nigeria they have been described as an `important cause of morbidity’, with the need for a `comprehensive accident prevention programme’ (Onadeko, 1983).”

The experience of Guyana has been similar and over the last decade or deliete there has been a boom in the number of vehicles on its roads because of the rise in living standards, but more importantly there has been an increase in road accidents with large proportion being fatal ones, particularly in recent years. Over the past week alone there were four fatalities stemming from road accidents.

Despite the introduction of increased patrols, new laws including those on drunken driving and speeding the lawlessness on our roads continue posing severe concerns about the safety of life and limbs.

Of course the introduction of new laws and increased patrols are commendable but they are going to be of little help if the attitude of drivers and road users is not dramatically changed to one which is law abiding and show more concern for the safety of fellow road users.

If one examines the situation carefully it will be seen that in our society there is a decline into lawlessness where there is scant respect for the law. Therefore, the lawlessness on our roads is actually a microcosm of the general lawlessness pervading our society.

In addition, the issue of corruption is not helping the situation because many people know that they can flout the law without having to bear the consequences of the law-all they have to do is “grease the correct palms with the right amount.”

So while the laws are there, they are not being forcefully and fairly enforced and as such do not serve as a deterrent to errant road users.

The solution to this problem, which has become endemic in our society, is not easy one because we are dealing with humans which are the most complex beings on this planet.

Nevertheless, we as a society cannot allow precious lives and limbs to be lost on our roads which are preventable because the human suffering, economic loss and the pressure on our health care system are immeasurable.

Therefore, we have to take a hard look at the current situation and come up with creative and innovative solution to this grave problem. And in this regard, this should not be left to the government and police alone; this has to be a collective effort of the entire society.