Police report reduction in fatalities, irresponsible use of road by motorists

Georgetown : The Guyana Police Force reported, during the period January 01 to October 31, 2011, as against the same period last year, in relation there have been five less road fatalities. There were 98 fatalities this year as against 103 last year. 

The release revealed that pedestrians and pedal cyclists are the two main categories of road users most affected by traffic accidents with 36 persons and 18 persons, respectively, losing their lives this year. 

Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are the major causes of the fatal accidents and that there has been an increase in child fatalities, with 10 children having lost their lives so far this year, compared to 6 last year.

The force’s use of breathalysers and radar guns and traffic education, the release stated have been effective in making a total of 52,368 cases against errant motorists, up to the end of October this year. A total 10,487 of these cases were for speeding and 919 for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

The release came at a time when Guyana is currently celebrating National Road Safety Month under the theme “Drive wise and save lives”.