Recent statistics from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on traffic violations and accidents are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address road safety as a national priority.
While issuing nearly 60,000 traffic tickets and collecting $393 million in fines might seem like a measure of progress, the persistence of reckless driving, especially speeding, and the alarming number of fatal crashes paint a more worrisome picture.

The reduction in fatalities and overall road accidents this year is commendable, but the grim reality remains: 85 fatal crashes attributed to speeding in 2024 alone highlight the deadly consequences of this single act of carelessness. This highlights that enforcement, while crucial, is not the only solution to our road safety crisis.

GPF’s multi-pronged approach, combining education, enforcement and infrastructure improvement, is a step in the right direction. Public awareness campaigns, defensive driving training and partnerships with private and community stakeholders are essential tools in reshaping road user behaviour. The inclusion of school lectures and community meetings reflects a commendable effort to inculcate responsible road use at grassroots level. However, the scale of the problem calls for even more innovative and sustained interventions.

A critical element that remains under-addressed is the cultural mindset surrounding leadership in Guyana. Far too often, speed and recklessness are viewed as displays of skill rather than dangerous life-threatening behavior. Therefore, public education campaigns need to be stepped up, using emotionally impactful messages to change perceptions and attitudes about speeding, drunk driving and other dangerous practices.

The Traffic Directorate’s collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works to improve road infrastructure is a vital component of the wider road safety strategy. The planned installation of smart traffic lights, illuminated road markings and improved traffic signals will undoubtedly improve the driving environment. However, these measures need to be accelerated, especially in high-risk areas, where poor road conditions exacerbate the dangers of speeding and reckless driving.

Additionally, as housing developments expand and vehicle registrations increase, proactive urban planning is essential. Traffic management must be integrated into the design of new communities, ensuring that roads, signage and pedestrian areas are built with safety in mind. This is not just a government task; Private developers and contractors must also be held accountable for meeting strict road safety standards.

While government initiatives and law enforcement play a key role, the ultimate responsibility for safer roads rests with individual road users. Senior Superior Mahendra Singh’s call for personal responsibility must resonate across the country. Drivers need to recognize that their decisions – to speed, drink and drive or ignore the rules of the road – have life-or-death consequences, not just for themselves, but also for passengers, pedestrians and colleagues drivers.

The holiday season amplifies the risks as traffic increases and the temptation to engage in reckless behavior increases. Every road user must approach this festive period with increased vigilance and consideration for others. After all, the true spirit of the season is one of caring and community, values ​​that should extend to our actions on the road.

GPF’s efforts to enhance road safety are laudable but insufficient without the active cooperation of the public and other stakeholders. As Guyana modernizes and its roads become more congested, the shared responsibility for safe and efficient traffic management must be embraced by all. Law enforcement, while necessary, is only one piece of the puzzle; education, infrastructure and personal responsibility must work in tandem to create a culture of safety.

This holiday season, let’s consider the warnings and lessons embedded in the GPF data. Slowing down, staying alert and following the rules of the road are simple but powerful ways to save lives. Road safety is not just a government mandate, it is a moral obligation for every citizen. Together, we can make Guyana’s roads safer, not just during the festive season, but for generations to come.