Semple identifies speeding, DUI as main fatalities causes
POLICE Traffic Chief Neil Semple said, yesterday, that speeding, coupled with inattentiveness and driving under the influence (DUI), remains one of the leading contributors to road fatalities. He told the Guyana Chronicle that, this year, there were 97 road accidents in which 111 persons were killed and, for the same period last year, 114 people died as a result of 95 accidents.
Senior Superintendent Semple said, although most road accidents are caused by inattentiveness and speeding, because of the all-year campaign, not many persons involved drink and drive.
He admitted that some do but their blood alcohol level, most times, does not exceed the prescribed limit when the breathalyser test is applied.
Semple said, during this season, there is, usually, a build-up of traffic in the city and pedestrians have a difficult time crossing the roads at certain busy intersections.
Consequently, traffic ranks are in place to assist at Quamina and Camp Streets, Thomas, Camp, Regent and Alexander Streets and King and Wellington Streets, respectively.
Semple said cognisance has been taken of the fact that some drivers lack courtesy and do not stop to facilitate pedestrians, so ranks on foot are addressing such situations.
He pointed out that, especially at this time leading up to the holidays, the Police have observed problems with the traffic lights where there is a large number of vehicles.
As such, they are in the process of meeting with the relevant authorities to have the lights turned off or flashing during peak hours, to reduce the vehicular build-up at Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic and outside Bank of Baroda.
Semple explained that, although there are traffic ranks at locations, it is difficult to direct traffic as the lights change rapidly and some vehicles have to wait for some time before getting to the signals.
However, he expressed concern over the increased road fatalities in ‘A’ Division and warned that the Traffic Department will not let up on its campaign and stringent patrols.
Semple noted, though, that there has been a reduction of fatalities in other divisions but he urged drivers and all road users to exercise care, act responsibly and look out for the unexpected and inculcate defensive driving, which is paramount at this time of the year.
As for the use of wheel clamps, he said they have made several cases and target night spots and other areas where persons double park or remain at no parking places.
Meanwhile, Semple disclosed that the latest road fatality was recorded yesterday morning, about 08:30 hrs, when a motor car, driven by a Better Hope man, collided with an unidentified pedestrian in the vicinity of Liliendaal, also on East Coast Demerara.
The Traffic Chief said the driver claimed he was proceeding from North to South on the carriageway when he encountered the victim, who ran across the road from the seawall side.
Semple said the injured man was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.