AWARE of the persistent recklessness on the roadways, Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh, Commander of Regional Police Division 4B Krishna Ramana, Regional Traffic Inspector Michael Ramdass and other police ranks, last weekend, continued to sensitise minibus operators, bar owners, and members of the public on the importance of following the rules of the road.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the traffic chief explained that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is committed to ensuring that the roadways are safe and that all Guyanese are protected, irrespective of their shortcomings.
Senior Superintendent Singh said: “I know that we are not perfect in the GPF, and we do not get it right all the time, but I want to make it clear to everyone, both drivers and civilians that we are dedicated to making sure that the law of this country is upheld.

We have not taken it for granted that everyone knows what they should do or how they should act, but instead, we see it as our responsibility to sensitise the drivers and members of the public on the use of the roadways and how they should conduct themselves as law-abiding citizens.”

While speaking to Route 42 minibus operators at the Providence National Stadium about the reckless use of the roads and the high frequency of traffic accidents, the traffic chief stressed the need for them to refrain from driving while intoxicated, playing loud or vulgar music, talking or texting on their phones while driving, and engaging in other behaviour that increases the risk of collisions.

“In our engagement with the minibus operators, we spoke with them about the major contributing factors to accidents on the roads. This isn’t something new that they are not aware of, but everyone needs a reminder at times. We also pointed out that there is no need to drive in a fast and reckless manner on the roads. There is nothing to gain from these actions; it is only putting the lives of the passengers and yourself at risk, and it isn’t worth it, the only outcome is causing pain to your loved ones,” he told this publication.

Additionally, Police Sergeant Trotz from the GPF Traffic Education Department, Eve Leary, gave a traffic lecture to drivers from the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VESHSI). It focused on “road safety, defensive driving, serious and culpable behaviours of drivers, impacts of errant road usage, types of accidents, emergency vehicles, traffic signs, signals, and road marking, excessive speeding of vehicles along the West Bank corridor, inappropriate overtaking, road markings not visible enough, careless use of the road by pedestrians, and especially children in surrounding communities of the shore base entrance.”

According to Trotz, the aim of all the exercises conducted by the GPF is to sensitise, persuade, and enforce the law so that Guyana can be equipped with law-abiding citizens who know right from wrong and the consequences of breaking the law.
Meanwhile, ranks from different regional divisions also met with bar owners and underlined the pivotal role they can play in ensuring that drivers do not exceed the legal limit of alcohol consumption at their respective businesses as stated in the updated Intoxicating Liquor Licence Act (2022).

In a recent interview with this publication, the traffic chief also reminded the members of the GPF and the public that “no one is above the law” and will be held accountable if found guilty.

He said: “Every day we are seeing so many drivers and riders that are breaking the law, but let us be honest with ourselves… We need to get into the habit of letting people face the penalty if they break the law, and the police will take the requisite action to issue a ticket and to charge and place you before the court.”

He continued: “No one is above the law, and the police officer who is in neglect of performing his duty with due diligence as he is required to, he or she will be disciplined with a charge sheet internally and/or the process of warning, and it will have an impact on his or her upward mobility.”

In keeping with the rapid development, especially in infrastructure, the traffic chief said that the GPF is conscious that the increased development in roads will lead to more vehicles and people on the roadways.
According to him, “We have a traffic plan in place; it has a specific focus, which includes community relations, and one of the most important and critical ones is the increase in traffic education.” (Cindy Parkinson)