NOVEMBER is officially designated as Road Safety Month in Guyana, and, this year, the theme is “Road Safety is not a slogan; it is a way of life. ‘Respect the Road’.”

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), in collaboration with the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and various other stakeholders, has organised a series of events and activities across the country to promote road safety awareness and responsible behaviour on the road.

Road Safety Month kicked off with an inter-faith church service held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe on November 1. The official launch of Road Safety Month will take place this year in Region Two on Wednesday, November 8.

Following the official launch, the GPF’s Traffic Department is set to increase its educational efforts with lectures in schools and for drivers.

These lectures aim to sensitise both school children and drivers to the importance of road safety. Traffic enforcement will also be intensified during the month, with a particular focus on pedal cycles and motorcyclists who have been found in violation of safety gear regulations.

A silent auction is scheduled for November 11 at the Georgetown Club. This event aims to raise awareness about road accident victims, and the items up for bid are donations from members of the business community.

The event will provide a formal atmosphere for networking, and it will coincide with the official launch of “Survivors Unite,” an organisation formed within the National Road Safety Council. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to ‘Survivors Unite’ to aid victims in covering hospital visits and legal fees.

On November 19, in observance of the UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a walk will be organised by the GNRSC, the GPF, and other stakeholders. This annual global event is celebrated on the third Sunday of November to remember those who have lost their lives or been harmed in road traffic accidents. The walk will stretch from the Kitty Pump Station to the Band Stand.

The Motor Vehicle Act 51:02 has seen an important amendment. The Intoxication Liquor Licensing (Amendment Bill), tabled on August 8, 2022, by the National Assembly, now states that intoxicating liquor cannot be sold, given, or bartered to someone who is likely to drive a motor vehicle unless that person has designated another driver. The Traffic Department will be visiting bars and liquor restaurants across the country to sensitise owners about their responsibilities.

The “Respect the Road” campaign, aligned with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana Initiative, continues to promote collaboration and networking among the Guyana Police Force, relevant government ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders.

All road users are advised to exercise care and caution; reduce the risk of road traffic injuries and deaths by wearing seatbelts and helmets. Drivers are urged to follow the five ‘Cs: care, common sense, consideration, courtesy, and caution. Pedestrians are encouraged to walk carefully on sidewalks and use available crossings. Road safety is not just a slogan; it’s a way of life. (Credit: Odellis Dos Santos)