GPF targets rising road deaths with new motorcycle safety campaign

Aug 02, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) launched a comprehensive series of road safety campaigns, aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities, particularly among motorcyclists.

The initiatives were officially unveiled during the National Road Safety Stakeholders Forum last Tuesday.

Two core components of the campaign include a helmet safety initiative and a broader motorcycle safety campaign. During her presentation on the proposed national road safety plan, Ramona Doorgen, coordinator of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), highlighted the alarming vulnerability of motorcyclists on the country’s roads.  She emphasised that motorcyclists contributed the highest number of fatalities in 2025. “Motorcyclists in Guyana are disproportionately affected by road fatalities. In 2025, motorcyclists accounted for a significant number of road deaths, with a staggering 30 fatalities by June 19, a 50 per cent increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, 23 of these deceased motorcyclists were not wearing helmets, and pillion rider deaths also saw a massive increase, with none wearing helmets. This underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive road safety campaign targeting motorcyclists,” she said.

The campaign, titled “Ride Smart, Stay Alive: Your Life, Your Ride!”, targets all motorcyclists, riders and pillion passengers , with a strong focus on young, inexperienced riders and those who transport children. Its main objective is to reduce motorcycle-related deaths and injuries by promoting helmet use, responsible riding behaviour, and a culture of safety.

Doorgen emphasised that the goal of the campaign is to significantly reduce motorcycle-related fatalities and serious injuries in Guyana. This will be achieved by promoting safer riding practices, encouraging consistent helmet use, and fostering a culture of personal responsibility among motorcyclists. “Your motorcycle gives you freedom, but your choices determine your future. Ride smart, stay alive,” she said.

As part of the campaign rollout, the GPF will conduct various activities, beginning with hazard perception training. This includes interactive workshops focusing on common crash scenarios in Guyana, such as blind spots, sudden stops, and poorly maintained roads. Visual aids, case studies, and potentially virtual reality simulations will be used for more immersive learning. Demonstrations involving car drivers will highlight how easily motorcycles can be missed in blind spots.

According to Doorgen, the training sessions aim to reach 2,000 young motorcyclists. Additional efforts include lessons on defensive riding techniques, a short video series featuring expert tips, and simplified guides to traffic laws, with open forums held by the traffic police to address rider concerns.

The campaign also addresses the consequences of impaired riding through public service announcements (PSAs), partnerships with rehabilitation centres to share real-life stories, and the introduction of a “safe ride home” initiative promoting designated sober drivers or alternate transport for motorcyclists under the influence.

Emphasis was also placed on helmet and protective gear awareness. This includes demonstrations on the life-saving impact of helmets and protective gear using simulations or crash-test dummies, as well as messages like “Dress for the Crash, Not the Ride.” The GPF will organise free helmet fitting clinics, promote GNBS-certified helmets, and collaborate with retailers to improve accessibility. Other related efforts include spreading messages about child passenger safety, encouraging reflective gear for night-time riding, and distributing free reflective stickers and tape.

To combat distracted riding, the campaign will run initiatives such as “Focus on the Road, Not Your Phone”, featuring testimonials and educational content highlighting the dangers of distracted driving. The GPF will also raise awareness around motorcycle maintenance and inspections, offering “Pre-Ride Check” guides and collaborating with local mechanics for free or discounted safety inspections.

From an enforcement perspective, the GPF will increase patrols focused on helmet usage, speeding, and illegal passengers, while also adopting an “Education First” approach, issuing warnings alongside information in the early stages of enforcement. Strategic checkpoints will be used to monitor helmet compliance and verify licenses.

The GPF also aims to advocate for infrastructure improvements, empowering motorcyclists to report potholes and hazards, and partnering with the Ministry of Public Works and the World Bank’s Integrated Transport Corridors Project to support road designs that prioritize motorcyclist safety.

These campaigns will be promoted through a wide array of media and outreach platforms including TV and radio PSAs, jingles, newspaper ads, short videos, live Q&A sessions, social media challenges like the “Ride Safe Challenge,” interactive quizzes, community outreaches, and support from medical professionals.

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• campaigns, fatalities, Guyana Police Force, road accidents, Road safety

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