THE curbing of traffic accidents is proving to be a major challenge as the roads

across the globe are becoming increasingly busy and congested; the volume of vehicles coming on to the roads is outstripping the development of new road networks.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 3,400 people die on the world’s roads every day. Tens of millions of people are injured or disabled every year. Children, pedestrians, cyclists and the elderly are among the most vulnerable of road users. WHO works with partners – governmental and non-governmental – around the world to raise the profile of the preventability of road-traffic injuries and promote good practices such as helmet and seat-belt wearing, not drinking and driving, not speeding and being visible in traffic.
The Global status report on road safety 2013 which presents information on road safety from 182 countries, accounting for almost 99% of the world’s population dictates that worldwide the total number of road traffic deaths remains unacceptably high at 1.24 million per year. Only 28 countries, covering 7% of the world’s population, have comprehensive road safety laws on five key risk factors: drinking and driving, speeding, and failing to use motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints.
Here in Guyana traffic accidents are also unacceptably high and on a per capita basis we are among those countries with the highest number of traffic accidents, particularly fatal ones.
This is a matter of much concern because the deaths and loss of limbs and other serious injuries on our roads are clearly preventable and the enduring agony they cause is immeasurable.
Despite the numerous tragedies on our roads, there are still many road users who display lawlessness, violating traffic laws and engaging in all sorts of dangerous practices.
Traffic Chief Hugh Denhert observed recently that inattentiveness, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are among the major causes of traffic accidents.
He noted correctly too that most people seem to be in a rush. This is a very important factor, because many drivers know the estimated time for a particular journey but would leave for their destinations late and therefore would speed in a bid to reach there on time, increasing the probability and risks of having an accident.
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.
The traffic statistics tell the story. From January to May there were 35,843 cases  made against errant motorists, 9,196 for speeding.
Four road fatalities from four accidents have been recorded for the month of June, which is only at its midway stage.
The problem has been well articulated in many sections of our society, but the big question is how do we go about curbing it?
Finding an answer for our traffic situation is a complex issue because several factors come into play. One of them is the rate at which vehicles are coming on to our roads, thereby increasing congestion. The solution to this of course is to drastically improve the number and quality of road networks. However, this is easier said than done because of financial and other constraints.
Enforcement of laws and traffic regulations and prosecution of traffic offenders have to be beefed up and education and training of road-users need to be intensified. These measures are the short and medium-term ones. In the long term, the attitudes and culture of road-users have to be changed. And this is the difficult proposition. Attitude and culture cannot be changed overnight and it is one of the most difficult tasks and in our context it is even more difficult, because the attitude and culture of road users are a microcosm of the general breakdown of law and order and discipline in our society.
Nevertheless, efforts have to be made to change the situation, as the current state of affairs is already untenable and is worsening on a daily basis.
In this regard, it is encouraging to learn that the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) recently launched their National Road Safety Strategic Plan 2013-2020 and handed over the Global Road Status Report on Road Safety to Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee. The 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy Plan was developed by the GNRSC in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and other stakeholders.
The content of the strategy reflects the GNRSC’s unwavering commitment to make roads in Guyana safe for all road users. In addition, it underscores the council’s determination to actively participate in national, regional and global efforts to enhance road safety initiatives.
This is a good start in trying to make our roads safer and decrease the number of accidents, particularly fatal ones. But it will take much more than this strategic plan to achieve the desired objective. It will take the entire commitment, will and effort of all Guyanese to make our roads safer.