THE Guyana Police Force is reporting a 12 per cent reduction in road accidents, a development Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh says is the result of leadership, technology, stronger deployment and a renewed push for personal responsibility on the nation’s roads.

Speaking at the launch of the Christmas Policing Plan on Friday, Singh said the reduction “did not happen by chance,” highlighting that it reflects months of strategic planning and operational discipline across all regional divisions.

“This happened because of the leadership provided to us, the commitment of ranks and others specifically towards making sure it is effective. It represents an unmatched commitment to duty by each rank who staffs the Traffic Department,” he told the gathering.

Singh said the 2025–2026 national theme for road safety, “Careful Driving Saves Lives,” is already being operationalised through sector-based deployment; 24-hour CCTV monitoring; the Safe Road Intelligence System (SRIS) and the expansion of command centres across the coast.

“Road safety has no demographic or geographic boundaries. It impacts low-income, high-income and middle-income countries the same. It comes down to the road, your vehicle and you —the user — as well as others who are vulnerable,” he said

He noted that even in the face of continuously increasing vehicle imports and heavier convergence during peak hours, the force has been able to maintain significant reductions in accident categories.

“Presently, you will find a significant reduction in each category of accidents coming all the way to today, notwithstanding the fact that each day accidents are reported,” he said.

Modernisation of the road network, expansion of housing schemes and major commercial developments have increased daily traffic pressure, particularly on the East Bank and East Coast corridors. Singh said these realities demand better planning from motorists.

“Poor planning on the part of the road user taking things for granted and wanting to do it your way creates delays. It demands that you plan. It demands that you factor [in] expansion, increased volumes and the realities of a growing country,” he said.

To meet the Christmas season demand, the force has divided all 10 regions into operational sectors, expanded fixed-point placements and boosted roving patrols.

Singh said the strategic approach is grounded in ensuring safe and continuous movement of people, goods and cargo.

“Our intention is to ensure the continuous flow of all forms of traffic within all regional divisions. We want to minimise congestion and reduce accidents through visibility, partnership, awareness, enforcement and roving patrols,” he said.

The Traffic Chief reminded attendees that while enforcement is important, the public must recognise its own role in ensuring safer roads.

“Personal responsibility is not transferable. It starts with each of us,” he said.