The silent killer: Understanding the rising accidents on Guyana’s roads

Apr 11, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Road accidents in Guyana have become a serious public safety concern, claiming numerous lives each year. The sight of wrecked vehicles along highways and grieving families mourning their loved ones has, unfortunately, become too common. According to recent reports from the Guyana Police Force, road fatalities have increased significantly, with most accidents linked to reckless driving behaviours.

Among the primary causes are inexperienced drivers, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding. This article explores these major factors contributing to road accidents and their devastating consequences.

1. Inexperienced Drivers: A Risk to Public Safety

One of the leading causes of accidents in Guyana is the influx of inexperienced drivers on the roads. Many new drivers, particularly young ones, lack the necessary skills and judgment required for safe driving. Some obtain their licences without proper training, either through bribery or inadequate driving tests, making them unprepared for real-world road challenges.

The problem is further compounded by the lack of strict driving school regulations. While Guyana has a licencing system, enforcement of practical driving tests remains weak, allowing unqualified individuals to operate vehicles. As a result, these drivers make critical mistakes—failing to check blind spots, misjudging distances, or panicking in high-pressure situations—leading to fatal crashes.

In one tragic incident in Berbice last year, a 19-year-old driver lost control of his car while attempting to overtake a truck. The car skidded off the road and slammed into a utility pole, killing two passengers instantly. Investigations later revealed that he had only obtained his license a few weeks prior and lacked experience driving at high speeds.

2. Driving Under the Influence: A Deadly Gamble

Drunk driving remains a leading factor in road fatalities in Guyana. Despite awareness campaigns and strict DUI laws, many drivers continue to operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making them more prone to reckless behavior such as speeding, tailgating, or failing to obey traffic signals.

Weekend nights, particularly after parties and social events, see a sharp rise in DUI-related accidents. Bars and nightclubs in Georgetown and other urban centers serve alcohol freely, and many patrons drive home intoxicated. Police roadblocks often catch impaired drivers, but many slip through undetected. A particularly horrifying case occurred on the East Bank Highway when a drunk driver crashed into a minibus carrying schoolchildren. The impact killed four students and left several others critically injured. The driver was found to be nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit.

The government has taken steps to curb this issue, including breathalyzer tests and increased penalties for DUI offenses. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many offenders escape with minor consequences. Stricter monitoring and harsher penalties are necessary to deter reckless behaviour.

3. Speeding: The Need for Speed Kills

Excessive speed is another major contributor to accidents in Guyana. Many drivers, especially young men, view speeding as a thrill, often underestimating the dangers involved. The combination of high speeds and poor road conditions—such as potholes, sharp turns, and inadequate lighting—creates a deadly mix.

On highways like the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and the West Coast Demerara Road, speeding-related accidents occur frequently. Drivers overtake recklessly, swerve between lanes, and fail to slow down in high-traffic areas, leading to devastating collisions.

One of the deadliest accidents in recent memory involved a speeding minibus that lost control near Mahaica, flipping multiple times before crashing into an oncoming truck. Twelve passengers, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives in what was described as one of the worst road tragedies in the country’s history. Witnesses reported that the driver had been racing another vehicle moments before the crash. Despite speed limits being in place, enforcement is weak. Many drivers ignore warning signs, and traffic officers are often absent in areas known for reckless driving. Public transportation drivers, including minibus operators, are among the worst offenders, as they race to complete more trips and earn higher fares.

The Impact: Lives Lost, Families Shattered

Every accident has a ripple effect—beyond the fatalities and injuries, families are left grieving, children grow up without parents, and communities suffer economic losses. The emotional and financial toll is immense, with hospital bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income burdening already struggling households. The psychological trauma of survivors is another overlooked consequence. Many who survive accidents suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or permanent disabilities that alter their quality of life.

Solutions & Recommendations: The Road to Safety

To combat these rising road accidents, Guyana must take a multi-faceted approach:

1. Stricter Licensing and Training – Driving schools should be held to higher standards, and road tests should be more rigorous. Corruption in the licencing system must be addressed to prevent unqualified drivers from getting behind the wheel.

2. Stronger DUI Laws – Fines and penalties for drunk driving should be increased, and more frequent police roadblocks should be set up, especially during weekends and holidays.

3. Speed Regulation and Traffic Enforcement – Speed cameras, radar guns, and more traffic officers should be deployed on highways to catch and penalize speeding drivers.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating the public, particularly young drivers, on the dangers of reckless driving through social media, TV campaigns, and school programs can make a difference.

5. Improved Road Infrastructure – Fixing potholes, adding better road signs, and improving street lighting can help reduce accidents caused by poor road conditions.

Conclusion

Road accidents in Guyana are a preventable crisis. If drivers exercise more caution, authorities enforce traffic laws strictly, and communities push for safer road practices, the number of accidents can be significantly reduced. The loss of lives on our roads should not be the norm—every life lost is one too many. It’s time for drivers to take responsibility, for law enforcement to act decisively, and for the government to implement lasting changes. Only then can we create safer roads for everyone.

Sincerely,

Rondel A. Hercules. BSc. MSc. .

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