ROAD fatalities have decreased by 30% up to the end of July this year, with the 51 fatalities recorded for that period comparing favourably with the 73 recorded for the same period last year. Speeding has again been the leading cause of road accidents and deaths, according to statistics released by the Police Traffic Department, who note that speeding caused 35 of the 51 fatal accidents as at the end of July this year.
During August 2012, there have also been three fatal accidents which have claimed the lives of three persons, including a child.
The most recent fatal accident occurred at about 18:30 hours on Monday, August 13, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, and resulted in the death of six-year-old pedestrian Kellon Europe of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown.
Investigations revealed that minibus BMM 7207 was proceeding along Mandela Avenue when Kellon Europe allegedly attempted to cross the road and was struck down by the vehicle. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the GPHC. The driver of the minibus is in police custody assisting with the investigations.
The Traffic Department has, however, added that 2012 continues to see reductions in other categories of traffic accidents – serious, minor and damage.
Statistics revealed that pedestrians are the main road users affected, with 14 such persons having lost their lives on the roads by the end of July this year.
Twelve pedal cyclists and 12 motor vehicle drivers have also lost their lives up to July this year.
Traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 39,312 cases being made against errant motorists by the end of July this year; of which 9,162 cases were for speeding.
The police are also investigating a fatal accident that occurred at No. 53 Village Public Road, Corentyne at about 08:45 hrs on Monday, August 13, that resulted in the death of pedal cyclist Premdas Boodhoo, 39, of No. 52 Village, Corentyne.
Investigations revealed that Premdas Boodhoo allegedly attempted to ride across the road when he was struck down by a motor car. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital. The driver of the motor car is in police custody assisting with the investigations.
Padmawattie Rajkumar was killed when the minibus she was travelling in to attend the 12th annual Lake Mainstay Resort Regatta crashed into a speeding, out-of-control motor car at Lima, Essequibo Coast on Sunday.
Approximately seven persons have been injured in that accident and are hospitalized, including the driver of the ill-fated motor car.
The collision occurred when the bus, transporting two families, encountered the speeding car while negotiating a turn at Lima Sands Public Road, Essequibo Coast, resulting in a head-on collision.