In observance of their “respect the road” campaign, which was launched on Monday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Traffic Department announced that 30 newly trained police ranks have been added to the Traffic Department.
The new recruits met with Traffic Chief Superintendent Dennis Stephen, Deputy Superintendent Ramana and other members of staff at Traffic Headquarters on Tuesday. There they were briefed on what their duties are since they will soon be placed on the roadways.
The Traffic Chief noted that the fresh batch of trainees would help in enhancing the traffic department’s campaign and deal with errant drivers who would’ve broken the law. The recruits, he said would be placed mostly in the Georgetown, East Coast, and East Bank of Demerara areas where accidents are a frequent occurrence. This, in an effort to reduce the number of traffic accidents.
Stephen noted that, according to their statistics, 37 persons lost their lives this year, so far, due to motorcycle accidents; the victims being both riders and pillion riders. He explained that the campaign is two-factored with one aspect being about education and the other about enforcement.
In terms of the educational aspect, Stephen stated that the Traffic Department has teamed up with Impressions and the National Road Safety Council to work on educating the public on proper use of the roadways. Motorcyclists will also be educated on the safe use of their bikes and the importance of using a safety helmet. Further, the department plans on venturing out to all public gatherings so as to educate members of the public on how to use the road safely in an effort to reduce accidents.
Stabroek News was made to understand that the ranks, who have already completed their initial training, will now undergo a tailored two-week session geared at retraining them with the necessary knowledge about traffic rules and regulations.
“We are not looking good, the accident rate is climbing, and we need to step in and we need everyone to get involved. Remember, ‘road safety is everyone’s business’. So in the aspect of enforcement, and that is the reason why we have the new recruits who would’ve attached to the traffic department in an effort… to suppress the accidents across the country,” Stephen said.
