A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling on the PPP/C administration to take immediate and decisive action to ensure stricter enforcement of the traffic laws and safer roads, in the wake of an alarming rise in road fatalities over the holiday season.
There is an estimated 12 road fatalities in Guyana every month, the party said in a press release, adding that “Road accidents are a grave human safety problem.”
APNU and Opposition Leader David Granger said the PPP administration must ensure that the Guyana Police Force has the necessary manpower and equipment such as radar guns, breathalyser kits and vehicles to effectively enforce the road laws. “I feel that these road accidents can be brought to an end….We are not talking about blame and fault, but about the government having a duty to protect its citizens,” he said.
Granger also suggested that the police increase their patrols both day and night in order to protect citizens.
He noted that poorly lit roads, inadequately patrolled coastal highways, speeding and drunk driving continue to be the major causes of all fatal accidents countrywide. According to the Ministry of Health’s National Rehabilitation Services Strategy 2009-2013 road accidents were among the top 10 leading causes of death and account for the greatest number of disabilities.
Further, it is estimated that the cost of medical care for accident victims exceeds more than $100M per year at the Georgetown Public Hospital alone.
“The loss of productivity, loss of earnings of the victims and premature funeral expenses resulting from accidents cost Guyana many more millions annually,” APNU said.
