IN a world where advances in technology are revolutionising everyday life, Guyana’s recent initiative to install radar speed signs along its roadways is commendable in the quest to modernise traffic management and improve public safety.

This measure, announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali as part of the Safe Road Intelligent Systems Project, speaks volumes about thinking ahead in trying to solve one of the most vexing problems of developing nations: road safety.

Installation of these radar speed signs, linked to an advanced cloud infrastructure, is more than an upgrade in technology; it reflects movement toward data-driven governance and smart city planning.
By monitoring vehicular speeds and traffic patterns, the government is positioning itself to make informed decisions that can potentially save lives and improve the overall quality of life for Guyanese citizens.

This is, of course, commendable; but in reality, at the core of this multi-dimensional problem, there is no solution or relief which technology can or will afford. In that respect, the appointment of a sub-committee under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Phillips to give oversight to the road security measures is in order.

This multi-prong approach involves fixing traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and increasing safety measures around schools, conscious that solutions must be multi-faceted.
But probably most important of all in this entire road safety campaign is individual responsibility insisted on by President Ali. More than 60,000 instances of speeding during the testing phase of these surveillance cameras put an imposing challenge in our way.

It calls for a prioritisation of the imperative for an attitudinal change in how road users view road safety; it also involves an intensified programme of traffic education coupled with strict enforcement of traffic laws.

These steps must, however, be complemented with the need to tackle the root causes of irresponsible driving practices, including improper training of drivers, substance abuse, and blatant disregard for traffic rules.

Maybe other developing countries also fighting against these road conditions should pay some serious heed to this Guyanese model of road safety. Adopting a holistic approach in handling the multifaceted problem includes merging technological solutions with policy reforms and public education.

But again, the success of this will always require continuous government and public commitments. As Guyana proceeds with infrastructural development and smart city initiatives, these should be so that benefits accrue to all in society.
Guyana has the opportunity at being an exemplar for road safety in the developing world at this point -setting a threshold based on innovation but grounded in respect for human responsibility.