Increase of road accidents needs decisive intervention

Nov 23, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

The increasing frequency of road accidents on our nation’s roadways, many of which result in fatalities, demands deeper analysis and decisive intervention. I extend my sincerest condolences to all families and loved ones who have lost someone to road accidents over the recent weeks and months. The pain and trauma borne by these families are immeasurable.

It is now evident that the Guyana Police Force is struggling to effectively curb this growing scourge. November 2025 appears to be one of the deadliest months in recent years, with alarming numbers of accidents and fatalities. Despite amendments to traffic laws, widespread public-awareness campaigns, and the deployment of CCTV and body cameras, a significant number of drivers continue to use our roadways in careless, reckless, and dangerous ways.

I have raised this issue repeatedly, yet little improvement is visible. The time has come for serious and systemic interventions to address the growing loss of life on our roads. I therefore propose the following measures, supported by international best practices that are adaptable to Guyana’s context:

1. Strengthening Driver Licensing and Medical Evaluation

A comprehensive review of the procedures for issuing and renewing driver’s licences is urgently required. Before licences are granted or extended, drivers should undergo medical and psychological evaluations to assess fitness, alertness, and mental stability.

Best Practices:

• Japan and Norway require periodic medical checks—especially for commercial and older drivers—which have significantly reduced accidents linked to medical impairment.
• Singapore integrates structured medical reviews into its renewal process.

Guyana can adopt a similar standardised medical screening framework to ensure that only mentally and physically fit individuals operate vehicles.

2. Strengthening the Role and Effectiveness of the National Road Safety Council

Road safety cannot be addressed by the Guyana Police Force alone. While Guyana does have a National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), the persistence and escalation of accidents suggest that the Council’s current mandate, resources, and enforcement capacity must be enhanced.

Best Practices:

• Sweden’s “Vision Zero” model emphasises system-wide collaboration among government, civil society, private sector, and engineers.
• Barbados and Jamaica utilise cross-sectoral road-safety units that collaborate closely with transport associations, insurers, and municipal authorities.

Guyana should strengthen the GNRSC through increased government support, clearer mandates, data-driven planning, and structured multi-agency coordination.

3. Expanding Intelligent Road Safety Technologies

Although cameras are in place, enforcement remains inconsistent.

Best Practices:

• The United Kingdom and Australia rely on automated speed and red-light enforcement systems, which significantly reduce violations.
• Estonia’s digital ticketing system ensures efficient, corruption-free enforcement.

Guyana should expand automated systems to deter speeding, reckless overtaking, and drunk driving through consistent, technology-driven enforcement.

4. Introducing Graduated Penalties for Recalcitrant Drivers

Public-awareness campaigns and billboards have limited impact on chronic offenders.

Best Practices:

• Canada and New Zealand employ point-based demerit systems that escalate penalties for repeat offenders.
• Sweden mandates rehabilitation programmes for high-risk drivers.

Guyana should introduce a graduated penalty system that ensures firm and escalating consequences for habitual violators.

5. Designing Safer Roads and Urban Spaces

The configuration of roadways significantly influences accident patterns.

Best Practices:

• The Netherlands designs traffic-calming infrastructure, protected pedestrian zones, and roundabouts to reduce fatalities.
• Costa Rica and Colombia adopt low-cost interventions such as speed bumps, reflective signage, and dedicated transport corridors.

Guyana can prioritise safer road engineering, particularly along known high-risk corridors.

6. Leveraging Oil Resources for Strategic Investments in Road Safety

As Guyana’s oil resources continue to expand, it is time policymakers begin thinking outside the box. Road safety reforms require sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, enforcement capacity, and data analytics. Revenues from the oil sector provide a unique opportunity to fund transformative national safety initiatives.

Countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have used resource wealth to modernise traffic management systems, improve road design standards, and deploy intelligent transport technologies that dramatically reduce accidents. Guyana must similarly ensure that a portion of its oil revenues is allocated to long-term road-safety infrastructure, capacity building, and sustainable urban planning.

In conclusion, road safety is a shared responsibility, but leadership, coordination, and enforcement are paramount. While education campaigns have their place, they are insufficient on their own. Guyana must now adopt internationally proven, evidence-based strategies, supported by innovative use of its emerging oil wealth, to reduce fatalities and save lives.

We all can, and must play a part in helping to preserve life and safeguard our roadways.

 

Yours sincerely,

Annette Ferguson

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• alertness, assess fitness, cameras, CCTV, driver’s, licences

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