Under the theme “Stop accident before it stops you, be alert accident hurts” the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department, in collaboration with the Guyana Road Safety Council, held a sensitisation fair at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown, recently.

The fair was aimed at sensitising the public on the proper use of the road. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable and in this regard they are deemed the most unsafe road users. With this in mind, ranks of the traffic department issued brochures with safety rules for pedestrians.

This will provide road users with the requisite knowledge on the proper way to use the road. Some of the safety rules for pedestrians are: When walking, use sidewalks, avenues and pavements if provided. On the sidewalk do not walk to the kerb; when crossing the road, always remember to do your kerb drill, that is, to look right, look left and right again, then if the road is clear, walk briskly across, and do not run; at every intersection or road junction, look out for traffic turning.

Road safety should be everyone’s business. For this year alone there are 103 recorded deaths on our roads. The National Road Safety Council pleads with road users to “take care and save the tears”. Motor vehicle operators, whether motorcyclists, minibus drivers or other classes of motorists are charged to look out for pedestrians, look out for those who aren’t looking out for themselves.

Romana Doorgen, coordinator of the Guyana Road Safety Council, noting that the Christmas season is almost here and there is a higher consumption rate of alcohol during the season, said that “we are not asking you to stop drinking, we are asking you to designate a driver, save yourself and others”.

She explained that the sensitisation is not new but it will continue in order for every individual to be aware of all rules regarding their safety on the roadways. The traffic department, along with the Guyana Road Safety Council, will continue in its efforts to make Guyana’s roads safer for all.