IN a powerful appeal to the citizens of Guyana, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn recently launched National Road Safety Month with a clarion call to “Do the Right Thing.”

This theme resonates deeply in a country grappling with alarming road-safety statistics, where 178 lives were lost in 2023 alone due to preventable reckless behaviours such as speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving.

As we reflect on these numbers, it becomes evident that road safety is not merely a governmental concern but a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen. The statistics are sobering.

The majority of those who lost their lives were young adults aged 18 to 40—an age group that represents not only the workforce, but also the future leaders of our nation.

This demographic is crucial: they are often parents and role models for the next generation. It is imperative that we instil in them a culture of safety and responsibility, Minister Benn had emphasised.

The call to action is clear: we must reject bad behaviours and embrace practices that promote safety on our roads.

As Guyana aligns itself with the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), aiming to halve traffic deaths and injuries by 2030, it is essential that we recognise the urgency of this mission.

The minister’s assertion that “most of the accidents are avoidable” should serve as a rallying cry for all citizens. We cannot afford to be complacent; each one of us has a role to play in creating a safer environment.

The strategies outlined by Minister Benn, including stricter enforcement of seat belt laws and campaigns against drunk driving, are steps in the right direction. However, these measures will only be effective if they are supported by a cultural shift in how we view road safety. It is not enough for laws to exist; they must be respected and adhered to by all road users. This means that we must educate ourselves and others about safe driving practices and hold each other accountable.

Furthermore, the involvement of youth in road-safety initiatives cannot be overstated. Young people are often at the forefront of both road accidents and advocacy efforts. By engaging them in discussions about road safety and providing them with leadership opportunities within this sphere, we can foster a generation that prioritises safety over recklessness.

The Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety exemplifies how youth can take an active role in shaping policies and practices that affect their lives. The economic implications of road-traffic injuries also warrant attention. As highlighted by Earle Lambert, Chairman of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, traffic accidents not only result in tragic loss of life but also impose significant economic burdens on families and society at large.

The costs associated with medical treatment and lost productivity can cripple communities already facing numerous challenges. Therefore, investing in road safety is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. As National Road Safety Month unfolds, public awareness campaigns focusing on speeding, drinking and driving, and distracted driving will be critical.

These initiatives must extend beyond mere slogans; they should foster genuine conversations about responsibility on our roads.

Community engagement is vital. Through school programmes, public forums, and partnerships with local organisations, we can create an environment where road safety becomes ingrained in our culture.