– 17% increase in accidents recorded

OVER the past 10 years, pedestrians, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists accounted for most of the country’s road deaths, Boodnarine Persaud, Traffic Chief (ag) has said. Accidents have claimed the lives of 451 pedestrians, 217 motorcyclists and 191 pedal cyclists over the past 10 years, Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle Thursday in an interview.
“These figures are horrifying, but it is true. Road safety is everybody’s business and we have to act now,” Superintendent Persaud declared.
He noted that speeding and use of alcohol continue to be the main causes of accidents. Other significant causes of road deaths include inattentiveness by pedestrians and pedal cyclists and lack of care at intersections.

“I have attended several funerals where victims of fatal accidents were buried or cremated and those were some of my worst experiences in my 25 years of service in the Traffic Department.” – Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud, Traffic Chief (ag)

“Motorcyclists continue to use the road recklessly without thinking about their own safety or that of other road users,” Persaud stated. And in most of these accidents the riders and pillion riders are not fitted with safety helmets, he added.
As of last Tuesday, a total of 35 road fatalities from 35 accidents were recorded for the year, in comparison to 30 fatalities from 21 accidents for the same period last year, representing an increase of 17%. Three children have died as a result of traffic accidents so far this year, compared to nine for the same period last year.
The Traffic Chief advised motorcyclists to respect their lives and that of others.
“Do not speed and always wear a safety helmet.
“Do not tow more than one person and ensure that the pillion rider is also wearing a safety helmet.
“You should be cognisant that there is not much protection for you, nor the pillion rider, should a collision occur,” Persaud stated.
He further advised pedal cyclists to ride on the left hand side of the road and ensure that their cycles have lights, reflectors, bells and brakes.
“Do not tow persons on the handle of the bicycle and always hold the steering handle when riding on the roads. Wear light-coloured clothing in the night.”
In addition, Persaud noted that pedestrians need to practise the kerb drill, even if they are not using a pedestrian crossing.
“Do not cross the road in the path of approaching vehicles. Walk on the right hand side of the road, and not more than two abreast. Use avenues and footpaths where provided. Wear light-coloured clothing during the hours of darkness. Always hold the hands of young children in your company.”
Superintendent Persaud said the enforcement exercise against lawless drivers continues. To date, 7,375 drivers have been prosecuted for speeding, while 625 have been prosecuted for driving under the influence of alcohol.
“I have attended several funerals where victims of fatal accidents were buried or cremated and those were some of my worst experiences in my 25 years of service in the Traffic Department.
“I cannot explain the pain I saw in the eyes of those persons who have suffered the loss of their loved ones.” (Rabindra Rooplall)