ACCORDING to the Guyana Police Force, pedestrians are “vulnerable” road users; so far this year, a total of 58 pedestrians have lost their lives to fatal accidents on the roadways.

Accordingly, the GPF has issued a press statement appealing to pedestrians to safeguard themselves by using the pedestrian crossings, avenues, and other foot paths where provided.

As far as is practicable, the press statement admonishes, pedestrians should avoid crossing the roads in the path of approaching vehicles. In the event that pedestrians have to cross roads in areas where there is no pedestrian crossing, they are advised to use the “Kerb Drill”, which advises that they look left, look right, look left again and, if it is clear, to cross the road as quickly as possible.

Motorists are reminded of Regulation 189 (2) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations of the Laws of Guyana Ch: 51:02, which states that: “Every person driving or propelling a vehicle at or approaching a crossing where traffic is not for the time being controlled by a Police Constable, shall allow free and uninterrupted passage of any foot passenger who is on the road at such crossing, and every such foot passenger shall have precedence over all vehicular traffic at such crossing.”

Regulation 189 (4) also states thus: “No person driving or propelling a vehicle shall cause such a vehicle or any part thereof to stop upon the (pedestrian) crossing, unless either he is prevented from proceeding by circumstances beyond his control, or it is necessary for him to stop in order to avoid an accident.”

Cognisant of what applies at times, the GPF has said, it wishes to advise pedestrians not to stand on a pedestrian crossing unless they intend to use the crossing. Too often persons are seen conversing while on a crossing, or merely waiting for transportation whilst having no intention of using the crossing.

Pedestrians are, in turn, reminded of Regulation 189 (5) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations, which states that: “No foot passenger shall remain upon any crossing longer than is necessary for the purpose of passing from one side of the road to the other with reasonable despatch.”

Pedestrians are also advised to always walk on the right hand side of the road, so as to face approaching traffic, and to wear reflective or light coloured clothing during the hours of darkness, the GPF press statement has said.

Over the past week, during enforcement operations aimed at road safety enhancement, the Police Traffic Department charged several motorists and other persons for breaching the traffic laws. The charges include:

Speeding:   332                                                         Breach of Condition of Road Service Licence:  48
Driving under the influence:  40
Soliciting of passengers: 16
Careless driving: 11
Dangerous Driving: 16
Failure to wear safety Helmet: 06
Failure to wear seat belt: 33
Prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone: 19

(Michel Outridge)