TRAFFIC Chief Hugh Denhert observed, yesterday, that inattentiveness is one of the leading contributors to road accidents and fatalities. Speaking about issues facing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department, after two more fatal accidents, he said that it is a countrywide problem.

Denhert explained that, once drivers are not attentive, they cannot apply defensive driving to avoid simple accidents because most people seem to be in a rush.
The Traffic Chief said speeding continues to be a major factor as drivers use the opportunity to accelerate once they find an open road and some do it even in congested areas of the city.
He, however, urged persons driving to stay within the speed limits at all times although pointing out that, sometimes, when under the influence of alcohol, they cannot help themselves.
Denhert said, too, that drinking and driving remains a challenge for the police but they have adopted a no-nonsense approach and, if drivers are found culpable, they will be dealt with accordingly.  
The Traffic Chief also expressed concern over the dangerous practice of drivers using their cell phones while at the wheel and warned that it leads to inattention which can cause accidents because a driver, depending on the nature of the conversation, can become complacent.
He said the most sensible thing to do if you receive a cell phone call while driving is to pull over and stop, before resuming driving again.
Denhert pointed out that driving and using cell phones is done by all age groups and both young and not so young are guilty of this practice.
            
MOST VULNERABLE
He said the most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, followed by pedal cyclists and motorcyclists while private cars and motor lorries are the vehicles mostly involved in road accidents.
However, the Traffic Chief urged all road users to play their part on the roadways and be the other’s keepers in the effort to minimise road accidents and fatalities.
Police reported that road fatalities rose by 10 at the end of May 2013, in comparison to 2012, with 46 from 43 accidents, more than the 36 from 35 accidents in 2012.
January 1 to May 31, 2013, also saw a reduction in the other categories of traffic accidents, described as serious, minor and damage.
So far, pedestrians have been the main road users affected, 11 of whom having lost their lives by the end of May 2013. In addition, nine motorcyclists, nine pedal cyclists, seven drivers and nine passengers of motor vehicles and one pillion rider also died.
The police said speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents and was the cause of 35 of the 43 that occurred at the end of May 2013.  
Meantime, police traffic enforcement from January to May resulted in 35,843 cases being made against errant motorists, 9,196 for speeding.  
Four road fatalities from four accidents have been recorded for the month of June 2013, up to yesterday.