The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has expressed its concern over what it describes as the ongoing carnage on the nation’s roads.
In a recent press release, the PSC stated that it was “appalled” by the continued reckless use of the roadways and such, fully supported President Irfaan Ali’s call for greater discipline, particularly among truck drivers, to address the issue.
According to the commission, this challenge is largely caused by “reckless and dangerous” driving by individually licensed drivers, combined with a lack of adequate enforcement and accountability. It urged all stakeholders to take immediate action to address this dire situation.
In an effort to make its contribution to the mitigation of this crisis, the PSC has proposed recommendations for urgent implementation.
The police, it suggested, should assign a specially trained undercover mobile traffic enforcement team to detect and enforce traffic law violations such as, parking on blind corners, within regulated distances from corners, or in prohibited zones; parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic or opposite another vehicle, causing congestion; exceeding speed limits, failing to dim headlights in built-up zones, and failing to yield at pedestrian crossings; failing to use traffic indicators when changing direction or turning; and operating trucks with trade plates, uncovered sand trucks and truck drivers stopping to drink at bars.
As it concerns the enforcement of traffic laws, the PSC recommends suspending driving licences for a minimum of one year for third-time repeat offenders within a calendar year; introducing shame-and-blame penalties such as mandatory community service or city-cleaning duties for traffic law violators; and equipping all traffic officers with body cameras to enhance accountability.
Regarding licensing and experience, the release said the PSC advocates reviewing the issuance of driver’s licences, particularly for heavy-duty truck drivers, and amending the Motor Vehicle Act to increase the minimum age to 21 years for commercial vehicle driver’s licences (trucks, buses, and taxis). It also suggested that insurance premiums be aligned with international best practices, increasing rates for high-risk drivers, and offering credits and reduced premiums for drivers with clean records.
According to the release, the PSC also posited that commercial vehicles should be monitored for speed and driving behaviour by mandating the installation of tracking devices and that systems which analyse driving metrics such as acceleration, braking, and turning to improve compliance and enhance driver training should be implemented.
Commercial vehicle (trucks, minibuses, taxis) owners also bear responsibility and should be required to employ licensed and trained drivers and install speed-tracking systems on their vehicles. The owners should also be held accountable for their fleet’s safety records.
The commission also touched on the issue of vehicles illegally using emergency lights and sirens and asserted that owners and drivers of such vehicles be prosecuted.
Finally, the PSC looked at the matter of systemic causes and called on the Ministry of Labour to regulate working hours and pay structures for drivers to reduce fatigue and eliminate incentives for speeding. Further, ensure better management and equipment at sandpits to prevent delays, which often result in speeding to make up lost time.
The commission also called on businesses to demonstrate leadership by implementing robust systems to monitor and manage the activities of their vehicle fleets. It noted that companies must prioritise compliance with the laws of Guyana, enforce strict adherence to traffic regulations, and promote safe driving practices. By doing so, businesses can actively contribute to reducing accidents and fatalities on the roadways, with the understanding that vigilance and accountability at all levels are essential to creating safer roads for all Guyanese.
