– public education push widens to confront spike in violations

THE Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has reported a sharp rise in road lawlessness, recording 3,240 traffic offences between November 16 and 22, 2025, with speeding, seatbelt violations, and drunk driving topping the list.
According to the weekly summary, speeding remains the most prevalent offence, with 452 motorists cited during the seven-day period. This continues a trend highlighted in earlier reports in which the Traffic Department warned that excessive speed remains one of the leading contributors to fatalities on Guyana’s roadways.
Seatbelt violations accounted for 124 cases, while 43 drivers were charged for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Traffic ranks also recorded 384 cases involving tinted vehicles, an offence that has seen repeated crackdowns as the Force seeks to improve visibility and driver identification.
Road users’ failure to use safety gear remains a persistent concern. Police issued 168 tickets for failure to wear a safety helmet, along with 62 cases of pillion riders being carried without helmets—more than 230 combined violations involving motorcycle safety alone.
Other infractions included: 127 cases for breaches of prescribed fitness conditions, 122 cases of vehicles left in dangerous positions, 68 unlicensed drivers, 52 rear unlighted vehicles, 28 front unlighted vehicles, 8 traffic light violations, and 7 cases of faulty packing.
Traffic officials said the figures underscore a continuing trend of motorists “throwing caution to the wind,” even as enforcement efforts intensify. Previous weekly reports have shown consistently high numbers of speeding, DUI, and helmet-related offences, prompting renewed calls for responsible road use.
Alongside enforcement, the Traffic Department continued its nationwide education campaign. From November 17 to 21, officers delivered lectures at schools in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4C, 5, 6, 7, and 9, reaching learners from nursery to secondary level. Institutions included Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, Matthew’s Ridge Secondary, Berbice High School, Bartica Secondary, Suddie Primary, and several others.
Traffic ranks also extended their community engagement beyond schools. Between November 16 and 22, officers conducted road-safety lectures and interactions with drivers, riders, bar patrons, and community groups at more than 30 locations, including: Krave Bar, Express Sky Lounge, S&S Bar, Public roads at Vergenoegen, D’Edward, Sparendaam, Beterverwagting, Mahdia, Supenaam Waterfront, Kumaka Waterfront, Leonora Fire Station, Alberttown Police Station, …And outreach via NCN 102.5 FM.
The Force says the engagements are part of an ongoing strategy to pair strict enforcement with sustained public education to curb reckless driving and reduce the nation’s road carnage.
With the holiday season approaching, a period historically linked to spikes in DUI and speeding, the Traffic Department is urging all motorists to adhere to the law and exercise caution.