October 18, 2024
The Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to implement urgent measures to address the rising number of road fatalities in Guyana.
Despite a decline in overall traffic accidents, the increase in fatal outcomes has prompted immediate action from the government.
Minister Robeson Benn highlighted the pressing need for interventions ahead of Road Safety Month in November.
The Ministry plans to collaborate with law enforcement to revise legislation, increase fines, and expand the range of ticketable offenses as part of a broader strategy to reduce accidents.
Official data indicates that speeding is a leading cause of road fatalities, often compounded by incidents of drinking and driving.
Efforts will focus on curbing these behaviors through stricter enforcement and policy adjustments.
The statistics also reveal that drivers aged 18 to 30 account for the majority of road fatalities.
To address this, the Ministry is emphasizing targeted education and awareness campaigns for young drivers.
In recent years, road fatalities have fluctuated, with 129 deaths recorded in 2020 and 99 in 2022.
However, the figure rose sharply to 175 in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
The Ministry’s initiatives aim to curb dangerous driving practices and improve overall road safety across the country.