MEMBERS of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) yesterday met with the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, for the first time this year, to iron out the work programme as well as other activities, including the observance of “Road Safety Week.” The minister explained that manning traffic and enforcing traffic laws as well as promoting road safety is no excuse for ranks to behave unprofessionally.
Minister Rohee urged members of the public to utilize the electronic crime reporting system via Blackberry Messenger to report to the MoHA any incidents of police impropriety. He asked members of the public to come forward with information and evidence for the necessary action to follow.
He said confidentiality is the hallmark of the new electronic system that has been introduced.
He noted that the meeting with the NRSC was intended to develop a work programme, following a detailed discussion with all parties, which will reflect Government’s vision of road safety — which should be practiced by all road users, including pedestrians and motorists.
Rohee said that because of the number of accidents on our roads, action needs to be taken so that justice can be served to the users of our roads, bridges and highways.
Given that road fatality figures have decreased significantly, there is an indication that the police are doing some work. However, the minister warned traffic ranks to desist from demanding money with menace, since the MoHA has had some complaints in this regard.
Rohee said that “Road Safety” is a concern of every Guyanese. He acknowledged there was reduction of road fatalities this year compared to 2011, and added that speeding remains the major contributor of road fatalities, and pedestrians are leading victims, followed by unattended children.
He stated that as school re-opens in September, parents and guardians should make an effort to enlighten children on the basic road safety measures, so they in turn can use the roadways properly.
Rohee noted that, over some time, the print media have made some contribution in educating road users on proper use of the roads. He noted that some parts of the country’s roads are deemed ‘hazardous’ because they are accident prone, but he declared that speeding is a major concern to the MoHA, particularly where minibus drivers are concerned.
Elaborating, Rohee said that sections of the East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara, and Corentyne (Berbice) roads were most vulnerable; and based on surveys done three years ago; the speed limit would have to be reviewed, because the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of certain minibus drivers is a worry for the ministry and the police.
But he also lauded the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department for the proactive role they have been playing on the roadways.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said that in relation to traffic, there has been a 30% reduction in road fatalities up to the end of July this year, in comparison to the same period last year. There have been 52 fatalities this year and 73 last year, with speeding as the leading cause of road deaths and accidents.
Police added that the year also continues to see reductions in relation to the 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 drivers of motor vehicles have also lost their lives as at July this year.
Police noted that speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents, causing 35 of the 49 fatal accidents at the end of 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 this a total, 9,162 cases were for speeding.
However, to August 2012, there have been three fatal accidents which have resulted in the deaths of three persons, including a child.