Traffic Chief: change in attitude key to reducing road accidents

The traffic arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is working towards reducing fatalities and serious injuries caused by road accidents by more than 50 per cent but notes that a change in attitude among road users is key to achieving this goal. This was stated by Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh in an exclusive telephone interview with Ignite News.

Singh pointed out that Guyana has “adapted and embraced” the plan created under the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Improving Global Road Safety, titled Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.

This initiative aims to prevent at least 50 per cent of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

On the local front, Singh highlighted that significant progress has been made in implementing this plan. Strategies include leveraging technology, community engagement, installing traffic cameras, and deploying digitalised speed radar signs. The government also aims to have a fully operational electronic traffic offence system by the end of 2025.

As part of this initiative, amendments have been made to Chapter 15:02 of the Motor Vehicles & Road Traffic Act to allow for the electronic issuance of traffic offence tickets.

However, the department faces challenges. Singh emphasised that while the department is working diligently to achieve its goals, road users must change their attitudes towards traffic laws and comply with safety measures.

“Enforcement complemented by awareness is the key to ensuring that the road-using population is kept in check,” he said.

So far, 14 road fatalities have been recorded in 2025, with most of the accidents leading to these deaths deemed avoidable, according to the Traffic Chief. In comparison, Guyana recorded 15 fatalities over the same period in 2024.

In 2023, the WHO reported that Guyana had a road fatality rate of 15 deaths per 100,000 people as of 2021, which is above the average rate in the Americas.

Breaking down the statistics, pedestrians accounted for 28.3 per cent of fatalities, powered two- and three-wheelers for 26.3 per cent, and cyclists for 17.1 per cent. From a gender perspective, men made up 77.7 per cent of total road deaths.