PAHO/WHO representative Dr. Beverly Barnett on Wednesday sounded the need for stronger traffic laws, as Guyana joined in the launch of the UN Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.
The road safety drive, which was launched here by members of the Alicea Foundation/Mothers in Black, is aimed at stabilising and reducing global road deaths, and in particular those of children, by 2020.
At the launch, held on Water Street in the vicinity of Muneshwer’s and Fogarty’s, Barnett pointed out the necessity for laws to be enforced, while noting that last year there were approximately 115 road fatalities in Guyana. In light of this situation, she said PAHO/WHO will continue supporting Mothers in Black in the fight against road fatalities.
Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendant in the Traffic Department John Daniels said his unit will continue to educate all road users, enforce the laws, and prosecute those caught violating them. He noted that 10 years ago there were about 1,174 persons killed in road fatalities, including 568 pedestrians and 199 children.
Daniels said that the majority of the accidents occurred between 6:00 pm and midnight, when persons would have been drinking or taking part in some sort of leisure activity.
He disclosed that last year police were able to prosecute approximately 15,362 persons for either drunk driving or speeding, while this year to date there are 1,099 cases; 367 of them already in court.
Daniels said that while a lot has been done, a lot more still needs to be done with their resources, and the department plans on using the media as another means of educating the public on road safety.
He urged those present at the gathering, especially the drivers, to “ensure that you give the message to persons about road safety precautions.”
In his address, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee congratulated the Mothers in Black for “kicking off the ball” and bringing awareness to the seriousness of road safety in Guyana, while emphasising that education and enforcement must go hand in hand.
Also speaking at the launch was Founder of the Mothers in Black group, Denise Dias, whose daughter Alicea was killed at age 17 by a drunk driver in 1997. She expressed her appreciation at hearing Daniels say that one day soon parliamentarians will ensure that road safety is compulsory in schools.
The Mothers in Black Foundation was formed as a result of Alicea’s death, and is still being run by mothers who have experienced losses as a result of road fatalities. The group is known for lobbying against speeding and drunk driving, while constantly advocating that the laws be enforced to prevent further unnecessary fatalities.
The launch concluded with members of Mothers in Black releasing balloons in memory of the victims of road accidents in Guyana, and the signing of global road safety commitment.
