THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), noting the imminent reopening of schools countrywide for the new term, reminded all road users, yesterday, to be on the lookout for children.
Acknowledging that September 3 will see an increase in traffic on the roads, the GPF said it should be borne in mind that some children will be attending school for the first time, while others will be going to new schools and may be unfamiliar with their surroundings.
The GPF urged motorists to be cautious and drive defensively, especially when approaching schools, and look out for children who may use the roads carelessly, whether doing so as pedestrians or pedal cyclists.
Children were also advised to always walk on the right hand side of the road, so as to face oncoming traffic; use sidewalks, pavements, other footpaths and pedestrian crossings, where provided, to cross roads.
The GPF called on road users, as well, to be alert and make a determined effort to reduce accidents on roads by exercising the five Cs – Care, Caution, Consideration, Courtesy and Commonsense.
Meanwhile, statistics from the GPF Traffic Headquarters, at Eve Leary, Georgetown, recorded 59 road accidents, resulting in 62 deaths, three of which were children, for the year, so far.
That compared with 73 accidents and 79 deaths, including eight children, for the corresponding period last year.