COGNISANT of the recent incidents of road fatalities and road accidents, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, in a press statement, said that although recent statistics revealed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) indicate that there has been a reduction in the loss of lives on the roadways, all road users still need to be careful. According to the figures released, 31 persons lost their lives to traffic accidents as at May 9, 2012, as against 40 for a similar period in 2011.
The statement said, “While, we can take some amount of comfort in the declining statistics on traffic deaths for a specific period, we are saddened by the reports of lives lost on our roads through reckless driving by some drivers, and the careless use of our roads by some motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. We take this opportunity to remind all road users that safety is a shared responsibility; and as such, the Ministry of Home Affairs encourages all categories of road users to exercise utmost caution when using the roads.”
It noted that while the government has been working assiduously to enhance the quality of roads, improve traffic legislation and management, and provide traffic education to persons of all ages, it is imperative that road users adopt safer road use practices to avoid road accidents.

The statement noted that traffic accidents invariably result in the loss of lives, serious injuries and damage to property. They also have a financial impact on victims, their relatives and our national economy.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is yet to be satisfied that enough care is taken by road users.
The statement said, “We take this opportunity to urge all categories of road users to support the Guyana Police Force in its efforts to reduce traffic accidents.”