Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn distributed 30 helmets to motorists and cyclists last Friday as part of a campaign to promote road safety.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) said Benn embarked on the initiative as riders of motorcycles and bicycles comprise the highest number of victims of road fatalities, with speeding and the lack of safety helmets recorded as contributing factors.
The DPI said motorists and cyclists near the Demerara Harbour Bridge junction on the East Bank benefitted from the distribution exercise.
Benn told the recipients he hoped wearing the safety gear would help them become more conscious about road safety and road usage. “The helmets will not work by itself, but it’s how you use the road and how you respect yourself and road safety…I want to do this. I am giving out free helmets to encourage you to take the necessary actions to prevent damage and hurt to yourselves and families, and to the country at large,” he was quoted as saying, while also encouraging them to ensure that their pillion riders also wear helmets.
The helmet campaign is one of the measures the ministry announced during the National Road Safety Week of activities on November 23rd. The ministry also plans to distribute high-visibility vests and lights to cyclists.
The Guyana Police Force has recorded an 81% increase in motorists’ deaths compared to with the same period last year, while there has been an over 100% increase in the deaths of cyclists in the same period.
The campaign is a collaboration between the ministry, the Guyana National Road Safety Council and the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department.
