Death by road traffic accidents; a Guyanese fate

Apr 15, 2020 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

Road traffic accidents are claiming the lives of Guyanese at an alarming rate. Reckless driving encouraged by lack of safety features is to blame for this ongoing issue. Policy makers and enforcers need to implement a more rigorous approach to get ahead of road traffic safety by improving our built environment for the country’s public health.
As an overseas based Guyanese and a student of Public Health, I do my best to analyze the news and observe current events back home, especially as they pertain to the livelihood of local Guyanese. In doing so, I am also mindful of government response or lack thereof, to the threats of livelihood. When I emigrated in 2008, road traffic accidents were one such threat. According to Oxford University’s Sustainable Development Goals Tracker; that year, Guyana experienced 18.64 deaths per 100,000 people from road accidents. Like many young students, I took the bus to school and risked the dangers associated with speeding, noise pollution from far too loud music being played and buses filled over capacity. Living on the East Coast, on Ogle’s main road, I frequently found myself behind the wheel of drivers excited to speed when welcomed by a smooth and open roadway. I’ve had to exercise extreme caution when crossing this road, which didn’t have a pedestrian crossing or overhead pass to get to my house on the other side. I’ve witnessed several accidents travelling to and from home, involving various vehicles, even cattle and I’ve also dealt with the costly effects of the aftermath of an accident, when a drunk driver struck my mother and two other family members in 2004. The tracker estimates 18.76 deaths per 100,000 people from accidents that year. Fast forward to 2019, the accident issue still presents itself.
The tracker stops after 2017, when the World Health Organization reported 15.93 deaths per 100,000 people; roughly 118 total deaths. In a 2019 article, Traffic Chief Leslie James states there were 100 deaths in 2018. A Caribbean Life article published on the last day of the year in 2019, reported a total of 115 deaths, a significant increase from 2018. The Kaieteur news published an article containing a chart of accidents and deaths over the years 2005-2018, which reveals an average of 117 accidents and 133 deaths which means, there is at least 1 death for every accident. Chilling. If we trust these statistics and reports, this is a major problem. In the Caribbean Life article, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson stated, “…we have done a lot, almost all major roadways have street lights, because we obviously want to ensure safety, and we want people to see properly when they are driving, unfortunately, most of the accidents are a direct consequence of smoother, nicer roads.” Later, the article concludes, “The Guyana Police Force stated that the leading causes of traffic mishaps in the country are speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Other major causes are driving while distracted by use of a cellphone, pedestrian inattentiveness, and failure to heed traffic signs and warnings.” On what the government’s course of action will be; “Patterson, who will continue improving roads across Guyana into 2020, said he was collaborating with the Ministry of Public Security, and other agencies, to find innovative ways, such as installing speed bumps, and speed rumble strips, as well as applying new technologies, to curb speeding, and save lives. He reiterated that too many lives are being lost; as such, his office will work to curb reckless driving.”
Three days in to the new 2020 year, I learned from the Kaieteur News, there were already four accidents resulting in two fatalities. After years of deaths and disability endured by Guyanese caused by accidents, it is now more than ever at this economic turning point that our government needs to Act. Here is where I present additional solutions to the development of roads, the installation and upkeep of modern safety features, adequate training for drivers, pedestrians and traffic enforcement agents and lastly, renewed and enforced road safety policy. Since the leading causes of traffic mishaps are identified as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving and failure to heed traffic signs, it is time to crack down on drivers directly. How? By implementing heavy fines with a point system and strict license suspensions. A study conducted in Hong Kong found driving-offence points to be more effective than monetary fines in deterring speeding offences. Why? It is easier to pay a fine, than continue destructive driving than it is to have destructive driving directly impact your ability to hold a license and subsequently, drive. This combined with better traffic enforcement would ensure that offenders are hindered from being behind the wheel to travel and to work, which would ultimately affect their personal and professional lives while improving the quality of life for other drivers, motorists and pedestrians. Another study in Taiwan found increased severity of fine and jail penalties for DUI offenders to significantly decrease road traffic accidents. Even though other studies show mixed result on the effectiveness of fines only on road traffic accidents, I’d still suggest policy makers adopt this strategy to then conduct their own research (which is desperately needed) to continue or not because the country is in dire need of solutions. Considering Guyana’s low GDP and poor public transportation system, when we consider what is at stake, I do believe the aforementioned recommendations can have a significant impact on shifting the incidence and outcome of road traffic accidents.

Alicia Killikelly

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