OFFICER-IN-Charge of Traffic, East Coast Demerara, Assistant Superintendent Timothy Williams is adamant that Guyana cannot continue to have drivers behave as though there were no laws governing the use of the nation’s roads by motorists.Officer Williams made this observation on Thursday when he paid a visit to the Accident Wards of the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was able to see first hand, the trauma and additional sufferings experienced by persons who are victims of road accidents. The visit was all part of Operation Safeway, being conducted by the Police Traffic Department to curb traffic accidents.
Accompanying the Officer were traffic ranks Sergeant S.Joseph and Corporal K.Atherley, who were also able to observe and empathise with affected patients.
ASP Williams observed that the loss of lives on the road or serious injuries suffered by persons invariably come about as a result of the callousness of drivers who fail to observe the speed limit or ‘Five Cs of Road Safety’ (Courtesy, Care, Caution, Consideration and Commonsense).
Lamenting this type of behaviour, Williams affirmed: “We cannot continue to have drivers behaving as though there is no law governing the roads of the country. We cannot allow that. Whenever an accident occurs, regardless we are going to investigate.”
He said that the procedure to be observed whenever persons become involved in accidents, is subjecting the motorist to a Breathalyzer test and once found over the allowed level of alcohol in the driver’s breath, he or she would be taken in and charged.
Operation Safeway was launched to ensure that accidents and fatalities are reduced. ASP Williams pointed out that his jurisdiction falls on the East Coast between Conversation Tree to the Abary Bridge. He recalled that since the commencement of Operation Safeway on September 15, the Guyana Police Force has instituted charges against a number of drivers for speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Williams said that as recent as Tuesday, the Sub-Division received a new motor cycle to boost their fleet, so that patrols can be out by day and by night. In addition, he said, the ranks were required to carry out random Breathalyzer tests. “Drivers are asked to take a test and once they are found above the legal limit, they are charged.” He said motorists would also be charged for refusing to take the test.
Noting that the exercise would be ongoing, ASP Williams assured that there would be no pause so motorists should brace themselves.
On a rather emotional note, Williams declared: “It pains us when we have to inform relatives of accident victims that their loved ones had died, or to visit patients simply because some driver failed to adhere to the Five Cs.
He emphasised: “Recklessness, carelessness …we are not going to condone anymore on our roads.”
Asked what has been the main cause of those accidents, the officer pointed to inattentiveness or speeding. “Most times, when we check the scene of the accident, we look for what we call the silent testimony and that would tell us if the driver was speeding or not.” He said that for most drivers, if they are not above the legal limit, then speeding might be a contributory factor.”
Meanwhile, this newspaper saw that very many minibus operatives were now indiscriminately decorating the front of their vehicles with multiple lights of varying colours. The officer said: “The law is clear on this and says two lamps must be shown to the front of the vehicle, and it must be visible from a reasonable distance.
He observed that when the vehicle was taken to the certifying officer to have an inspection done, once the officer is satisfied that the lights are in conformity the fitness would be given. However, Williams added: “Ever so often a number of owners or drivers, having received that certificate of fitness, would go and place additional lights on that vehicle. Once we are on the road during the course of the night and it is observed, we are going to revoke the fitness and the motorist will be charged.”
The Police Traffic Department is therefore urging persons who have been exposed to this nuisance, which results in the blinding of the vision of the oncoming motorists, to take the number of the offending vehicle and report it to the police as soon as possible. “We have to stamp out traffic lawlessness,” he concluded.