Georgetown, Guyana — Road accidents in Guyana have reached a crisis point, prompting urgent calls for action from the Private Sector Commission (PSC). Reckless driving, particularly by truck operators, continues to claim lives almost daily, spurring stakeholders to demand stricter enforcement and systemic reforms.
The PSC, in a statement issued on November 23, 2024, urged immediate measures to address the “carnage” on the nation’s roads. Their concerns align with President Ali’s recent directive to the Guyana Police Force to enforce existing traffic laws more rigorously and introduce legislative amendments targeting heavy-duty vehicle operators.
PSC: “Stop the Carnage on Our Roads”
The PSC’s statement outlined a multifaceted strategy to improve road safety, starting with tougher enforcement. They recommended deploying undercover police teams to monitor violations like illegal parking, excessive speeding, and failure to yield at pedestrian crossings. To deter repeat offenders, the PSC proposed mandatory license suspensions, community service penalties, and equipping traffic police with body cameras to enhance accountability.
Licensing reforms also featured prominently in the PSC’s recommendations. These included raising the minimum age for commercial vehicle drivers to 21 and tightening standards for issuing licenses to heavy-duty truck operators. The PSC further called for leveraging technology, such as vehicle tracking systems, to monitor driver behavior and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
“The reckless use of our roadways must end,” the PSC declared, urging all stakeholders to act decisively.
President Ali: “We Cannot Continue the Carnage”
President Ali, following a meeting with the Guyana Police Force and Attorney General recently, expressed his frustration with the ongoing lawlessness on the roads. “We cannot continue to have this type of indiscipline, especially with the trucks and truck drivers,” he stated.
He directed the police to fully implement laws allowing license suspensions for repeat offenders, noting that only 18 suspensions had been issued this year despite rampant speeding violations. Ali also emphasized the importance of technology, urging police to use CCTV footage and body cameras to identify and prosecute dangerous drivers.
On the issue of drunk driving, Ali called for stricter enforcement of laws requiring bar owners to stop serving intoxicated patrons and relieve them of their keys. He suggested amending laws to allow the suspension of bar licenses for non-compliance.
“These actions are not punitive—they are necessary to save lives,” Ali said, urging drivers to follow the law.
Statistics Underscore the Crisis
Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, in presenting the 2024 Christmas Policing Plan, detailed the scope of the crisis. Fridays and Saturdays accounted for the highest number of fatal accidents, with speeding identified as the leading cause.
Singh revealed that private motorcars, motorcycles, and heavy-duty lorries were involved in most fatalities. Between January and October 2024, 22 fatal accidents involved motor lorries, reflecting the dangers posed by the growing fleet of heavy vehicles. Guyana’s vehicle registrations have surged, now exceeding 116,000, contributing to road wear and increased congestion.
“The ratio of traffic officers to vehicles remains unbalanced,” Singh said, emphasizing the challenges of managing road safety in the face of growing vehicular traffic.
A National Responsibility
Both the PSC and President Ali highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in tackling this issue. The PSC called on businesses to lead by example, monitoring their vehicle fleets and enforcing compliance among drivers. Ali urged commuters to take action by reporting reckless drivers and illegal use of emergency lights and sirens. “The abuse of our roadways must stop,” Ali declared. “We must act together to save lives.”
