Dear Editor,
The increase in fatal and serious accidents on the Essequibo coast, Region Two, must be of concern, not only to the Police Traffic Department but to all citizens as well, because road safety is everybody’s business and all must be involved.
It was expected that with the improved ferry service (Parika to Supenaam) the number of visitors to the region would have increased significantly, thereby the traffic also. But having said that, the expectations were that the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force would have deployed more ranks in the region and also have all stations there adequately manned. I am not sure if that was done, but it has now become normal that every time there is a fatal accident involving a pedestrian, for many, the driver is seen to be guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, even before a charge is laid. This is often to ignore all the available evidence that may suggest that the pedestrian (the victim) may have by his or her careless use of the road, contributed greatly to the accident. It would be interesting to know how many pedestrians were charged during the past years for the offence commonly known as jaywalking.
I can recall that in the past, traffic ranks would visit the various schools to educate the students and also teachers, about careful use of the road, and this should be re-introduced. In addition, in each Neighbourhood Democratic Council residents need to be taught proper and careful use of the road.
The best driver’s competition that used to be held annually to coincide with road safety week should be re-implemented, so as to create a level of awareness about road safety. The same would allow drivers to compete for whatever incentive there is. When you read the story of the infant, not yet two years old, being the victim of a fatal traffic accident all because the child was left to wander on the Dartmouth Public Road, it certainly tells a sad story.
I think that the Police Traffic Department with assistance from the business community, should launch a campaign to educate our citizens as it relates to the proper use of our roads; the schools would be the best place to start.
Yours faithfully,
Archie W Cordis
