The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday said that up to September 14 this year, the number of traffic deaths has jumped by 42% compared to the same period last year.
In a statement, the ministry did not provide the actual figures.
It also said that the number of fatal accidents has risen by 37% over the same period.
It said that according to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department, statistics show that speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are the leading cause of fatal accidents.
The statistics also show that motorcyclists are among the largest categories of road users killed for the year thus far. They also reveal that these fatalities occur mainly on Saturdays and Sundays between 6 pm and midnight. Further, the ministry said that the statistics show a decrease of children involved in fatal accidents by 43%.
Fatalities have been mainly concentrated in the 17-24 and 25-42 years old categories.
“Road traffic accidents and deaths are a major concern to us, since they affect individuals, communities, and the country at large. It depletes our human capital resources which by extension affects the economics and growth of our country. Therefore, we call on all drivers and motorist to desist from speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol on our roads, and to adhere to all road safety rules and guidelines, to help reduce the worrying high incidence of fatal accidents on our roads”, the ministry urged.
