The Ministry of Home Affairs launched a road safety booklet for students as activities are underway to observe Road Safety Month.
The booklet, which educates children on their rights and responsibilities concerning their safety, was launched at a simple ceremony held at the Guyana Red Cross Association headquarters.
A press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said Minister Clement Rohee told students that they play an integral role in road safety because they can be messengers to their families and friends and convey the correct practices and rules which should be adhered to when using the roadways.
The minister said the School Road Safety Patrol booklet is a collaborative effort between the Guyana Police Force traffic department and the National Road Safety Council. The booklet contains information on the traffic lights, instructions on how to cross roads, what to do when vehicles are approaching and conducting patrols at pedestrian crossings. GINA said a number of students from schools in regions three and four were each presented with a Stop Sign, a Road Safety Patrol booklet and 12 patrol vests.
Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent and Officer in Charge of ‘A’ Division, Traffic, John Daniels said for the year the number of road accidents and fatalities have decreased significantly compared with last year. However, there has been an increase in the number of fatalities involving children. Daniels said the GPF, particularly the traffic department, will be conducting several activities this month to promote road safety awareness among schools and communities nationwide. He encouraged the students to ensure that they practice safety at all times, not only road safety, but in other areas of their lives.
Chairman of the National Road Safety Council Surendra Khayyam told the students that they each have a role to play in ensuring that they remain safe. He urged them to encourage their classmates and friends to be on the alert when using the road ways. Additionally, Assistant Chief Education Officer Nursery Doodmattie Singh said the Ministry of Education will benefit tremendously from these booklets and materials which the National Road Safety Council has introduced to the schools.
She said the ministry expects the students from 40 schools selected to participate in the National Road Safety Patrol workshops to be held during the month to make full use of the materials and training.
