POLICE Traffic Chief Neil Semple yesterday announced that special emphasis is being placed on schoolchildren using the roadways countrywide following the death of 12, so far, for this year .
He said the road safety campaign has been intensified in the Stabroek Market area of Georgetown and other places and, this week, policemen were seen admonishing schoolchildren to use pedestrians crossing and pavements and avoid jaywalking.

Semple said, apart from traffic ranks visiting schools to sensitise children, parents are encouraged to advise them on being careful and cautioning them, giving guidance whether they are minibus passengers, cyclists or pedestrians.

He disclosed that, this year, 83 persons lost their lives in 72 road accidents and, for the corresponding period, up to now in 2008, there were 80 deaths from 69 such mishaps.

Semple said, although speeding is the leading contributor to fatalities, it is people failing to comply with the ‘no drinking and driving’ warning that is responsible for the increase.

He urged passengers to report all incidents of drinking in minibuses after making note of the vehicles numbers.

“If there are alcoholic beverage bottles in the bus or you see the drivers drinking, report it to the Police immediately and they will be dealt with condignly,” Semple assured.

He said there have been several cases where the breathalyzer has worked well for the Traffic Department and since the system was implemented.

The statute dictates the punishment, including fines, imprisonment and disqualification of convicted drivers since President Jagdeo publicly signed the legislation into law last May 23.

Regarding loud music in minibuses, Semple said that they will specially deal with those defaulters and several operators have been arrested for putting vulgar markings on their vehicles again.

He also pleaded with minibus operators to abide with the traffic laws and stop only at ‘Bus Only’ stops in the city, to facilitate a more orderly arrangement for commuters.

Semple said campaigns will continue throughout the year also to nab those in the habit of breaching traffic lights.