ROAD fatalities have increased by one, so far, at the end of February this year, as compared to the same period last year, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reported.

The Traffic Department said it recorded 19 fatalities from 17 accidents in 2013, in comparison to 18 fatalities from 17 accidents over the same period in 2012.
It reported that, from January 1 to February 28, 2013, there were less incidents of the other traffic accidents categorised as serious, minor, or having caused damage.
Police said that, up to now, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists have been the main road users affected, with five from each of the respective categories having lost their lives at the end of February 2013.
Four pedestrians, three drivers and two passengers of motor vehicles have also lost their lives.
The police said speeding continues to be a major contributory factor to fatal accidents, and was the cause of 13 of the 17 fatalities recorded at the end of February 2013.
Meanwhile, traffic enforcement by the police during January and February 2013 resulted in a total of 13,571 cases being made against errant motorists, 3,385 of which were for speeding.
One road death has occurred from one accident, so far for the month of March 2013.