Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 23, 2016 News
The nation has seen a 32% increase in road fatalities for this year. In fact, 54 road fatalities from 50 accidents have been recorded from January to May 19, last, in comparison to 41 fatalities from 32 accidents for the same period in 2015.
In light of the recent increase, Chairman of the West Demerara Road Safety Council Retired Senior Police Superintendent, Owen Trotz is appealing to all categories of road users to apply extreme caution when on the road.
He made these sentiments during an interview with Kaieteur News.
Trotz, a former Traffic Chief, pointed out that traffic related injuries and deaths continue to be a thorn in the flesh for those entrusted with alleviating it. However, he promised that his Council will continue to educate the nation on the positives of proper road safety conduct.
According to the Road Safety Council Chairman, speeding and drunk driving continue to be the major contributory factors of road accidents. He pointed out that even if persons want to consume alcohol they should at all times have a designated driver.
“…Weekends, drivers tend to go to the creek and they drink and drive coming back down… this is dangerous,” Trotz stressed. He added that the West Demerara Road Safety Council plans to work along with police to educate motorist on the potentially devastating effects of drinking and driving.
In doing so, Trotz revealed that the Council will visit various hang out spots on the West Coast every weekend to distribute flyers on best road practices.
He stated that all road users have to use one road and should be on the alert for each other, especially children and in some case, stray animals.
“Drivers must play close attention and lookout for the possibility that a child will cross their path, to prevent accidents.”
Motorcyclists and pedal cyclists, he said, should always ensure that their vehicles are properly equipped before going on the road. He pinpointed that motorcyclists and pedal cyclists riding without helmets has become a trend that needs to be curbed.
Persons using public transportation should make their safety a priority and not be afraid to reprimand drivers when they are speeding, carrying overload or breaching and traffic laws. This is the view of Trotz, who disclosed that several persons said that they were afraid of being removed from the vehicle if they tell operators when they are wrong.
The West Demerara Road Safety Council has already planned a Driver’s Seminar which would be a collaborated effort between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, The National Road Safety Council and the Police Traffic Department. This seminar will seek to enlighten drivers on adapting courteousness, especially those operating public transportation.
The acting Traffic Chief, Boodnarine Persaud, has said that the Force is concerned with the loss of lives, serious injuries and economic and social impact resulting from road accidents for which speed, drunk driving and inconsiderate use of the roads have been the contributing factors. He has indicated that emphasis is being placed on educational programmes for all road users through the media and televised programmes.
So far, 16 pedestrians, 12 motorcyclists, four pillion riders, seven pedal cyclists and six persons travelling in busses and lorries and nine drivers have lost their lives on the roadways.
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