THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reported that a review of the available statistics for 2010 showed a marked improvement in the area of traffic enforcement.
During that year, there were 115 deaths resulting from fatal accidents, as compared to 117 in 2009, a reduction of two per cent.
There were 101 such accidents in 2010, in comparison to 98 in 2009, an increase of four per cent. Seven children also died on the roads during 2010, 11 less than in the previous year, a reduction of 61 per cent, the GPF said.
A Police release said the achievement was due to a combination of factors, including rigid enforcement of traffic laws, especially through its zero tolerance ‘Operation Safeway’ countrywide; education via the media and in schools; acquisition and use of radar guns, which had an impact on speeding and resulted in some level of compliance by motorists and the use of breathalysers, to deal with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Also attributed to the results, were enforcement of the law in relation to provisional drivers’ licences, with these being issued for between two and three- month periods, after which the holder has to, successfully, complete the learner/driver theoretical examination, in order to continue being processed for a driver’s licence.
The Police said other positive contributors were the increase in monetary fines for specific traffic offences, for which tickets are issued and  enforcing of the laws, in relation to the non-use of mobile phones while driving.
The report said the GPF received meaningful support, in dealing with traffic, from the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, the National Road Safety Council, the Traffic Advisory Committee and other stakeholders.
“As we continue in the year 2011, the GPF is, once more, urging all categories of road users to do so in observance of the five Cs- Care, Courtesy, Caution, Commonsense and Consideration,” the statement said, adding that available statistics for 2010 below: