IN wake of the latest road fatality in which a 29-year-old man was killed on Tuesday night, Traffic Chief Hugh Denhert said the police have observed that not only drivers are consuming alcohol but other road users as well.

The man, apparently under the influence of alcohol, fell asleep or fell onto the roadway and was run-over by a vehicle and killed.

Denhert noted that the trend is a worrying one and asked that persons, in fact, all road users desist from such behaviour while using the roads since it puts that person and others at risk because they are not in control of all their faculties.

The Traffic Chief told this publication that Satesh Ramdas, 29, of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had been drinking based on their probe and he was not struck down.

Police reported that at about 19:30 hrs on June 17, 2014, on Number 72 Village, Public Road, Corentyne, it is alleged that Ramdas was lying on the roadway and was run-over by a motor pick-up vehicle.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital and the driver of the motor vehicle was taken into police custody to assist with the investigations.

Meanwhile, the Police Traffic Department at Eve Leary said they have recorded, for this year, 49 road accidents with 54 deaths, including seven children, while for the corresponding period last year they had 49 accidents with 52 deaths, including five children.

Pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motorists remain the most vulnerable victims to fatalities and road accidents.

Denhert is also appealing to drivers to be vigilant at all times, especially at nights since the presence of animals, including cows, are a norm in the Berbice area and this situation requires the exercise of care and caution.

He pointed out too that with the inclement weather, drivers ought to desist from speeding because of the wet conditions on the roads as well as in several areas where rice cultivation is prevalent. He is also advising that tractor operators deposit mud in the fields before using the roads.

Denhert said that mud and slush present a hazard on the roads when coupled with wet conditions and can result in accidents if drivers are not cautious.

Speaking on the issue of persons using cell phones while driving, Denhert said such a practice is dangerous because drivers become distracted. He is calling on drivers to pull over when taking a call or texting.

The Traffic Chief is urging all road users to make decisive decisions on the roads and to be defensive drivers in order to reduce road accidents and fatalities since speeding, drunk driving and inattentiveness are the leading causes of road accidents and fatalities.

He observed that some drivers tend to want to do all manner of things while at the wheel and this is not advisable.
Written By Michel Outridge