Dear Editor,
Reference is made to the alarming traffic deaths and road accident statistics recently released by the Guyana Police Force.
Editor, obviously Guyana has a severe, fundamental and escalating problem that requires a new and comprehensive approach. I wonder: have the authorities given any thought to the causes of the problem?
According to the statistics cited a person is killed every three days on Guyana’s roads with more than one person being killed in each reported accident. Almost 250 motorists are convicted of offences every day, most of them for speeding. These figures should be cause for extreme concern given Guyana’s small population.
Those of us who live in Guyana know precisely how this happens: the roads are free for all zones of lawlessness. Motorists overtake anywhere, on any side. Traffic signs, when present, are routinely ignored. Speed limits are seen as mere suggestions and pedestrians contribute by being irresponsible and apathetic.
The authorities must surely realize by now that something is fundamentally wrong. The police claim to be working hard but the situation is getting worse. Clearly enforcement alone is not enough. It follows that we need to rethink strategy. It seems obvious that other initiatives have to be undertaken if we want to even make a dent in this ever increasing scourge.
There have been numerous reports of persons being caught selling driver’s licences. Apart from the reports, Guyanese know that to get a driver’s licence ‒ you have to pass money. The people who pass money do not have to pass the test so they may not even know what various traffic signs mean.
If persons are known to have facilitated illegal licensing, has anyone taken the next logical step? Have the police investigated who obtained licences without passing the theoretical and practical road tests? If not, why not?
Maybe a complete review of all licensed drivers is indicated at this time. Such an exercise should determine which drivers are qualified to operate vehicles. After all, the test papers and results should still be there. Those found to be unqualified should have their document revoked. This may be a substantial undertaking but the lives saved would be well worth it.
When it comes to pedestrians, education is the key. Is the Guyana Police Force collaborating with the Ministry of Education on this issue? What are the programmes in place to increase awareness and how are they working? Maybe traffic awareness should be considered at the level of the school curriculum. What about engaging other groups ‒ clubs and the like ‒ are we doing these things?
It is not enough for the police to just release these frightening statistics and it is not sufficient for government to express concern. Guyanese deserve information from leaders on how they intend to address the issue including a timeline of when we can expect to have concrete results.
Guyana does not have enough people to sustain these losses indefinitely. The authorities have to wake up, analyze the problem and fix it. Too many lives are being lost for no good reason.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta
