THIS year has been a deadly one on the roads as statistics from the Guyana Police Force indicate that some 127 deaths from 116 road accidents were recorded, compared to 123 deaths from 105 accidents last year.Traffic Chief Dion Moore, speaking at a press conference at Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, on Thursday, told reporters that despite an overall increase in deaths this year, there was a decline in the deaths of children through accidents.

This year, 12 children died on the roads compared to 15 last year. Of the 127 killed, some 32 were pedestrians and several were motorists.

Moore said that in most of the accidents involving motorcyclists, the victims were without helmets or were not wearing them in the correct manner.

Enforcement is vital to curb accidents, and this year, 23,934 drivers were charged for speeding; 3,279 for driving under the influence; 1,701 for driving without licences; 1.603 for using cellphones while driving; and 4,607 for playing loud music.

In June, there was a decrease in fatal accidents, but coming on to August, it rose and by September, the Guyana Police Force launched “Operation Safeway.”

At the time of the launch, fatal accidents were at a 33 per cent increase and deaths an increase of some 17 per cent; but months after, fatal accidents decreased by 30 per cent, serious accidents by 2.1 per cent and minor accidents by 23 per cent.

But accidents that result in damage have increased by 44 per cent.

Moore said “Operation Safeway” will continue in 2017, as it has been successful, and pointed out that the force is happy that during the holidays many drivers did not drive when they went out to drink.

He also urged pedal cyclists to ensure that their bikes are outfitted with effective braking systems, bells, reflectors and a light in the front, visible from a reasonable distance at night.

Parents and guardians, he said, should emphasise to children using pedal cycles on the road to be cautious in the way they want to dart out from behind moving vehicles or to cross the road.

“All of us should play a part in practising road safety principles in every class of road-user and to advise our fellow road-users and the speed limit is there for you to drive within and not above. Practise the five Cs,” he said.