Compliance with road safety and traffic laws in Guyana is alarmingly low

Mar 05, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

I have closely observed the transportation sectors of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, and it is with growing concern that I note that compliance with road safety and traffic laws in Guyana remains alarmingly low. Despite the existence of clear regulations intended to safeguard motorists, pedestrians, and daily commuters, a significant number of drivers continue to disregard the law. This persistent indiscipline has contributed to increasingly unsafe and unpredictable conditions on public roadways, placing lives at unnecessary risk and undermining public confidence in the transportation system.

It is only the second month of 2026, yet hundreds of traffic offences have already been reported. Far too often, unsafe practices are casually excused with the phrase, “This is Guyana, and this is how we do things here.” This kind of attitude towards the law needs to change. Such thinking is not only deeply troubling but dangerously counterproductive, as it normalizes lawlessness and desensitizes the public to the real and often fatal consequences of reckless behavior on the nation’s roads.

Drivers continue to operate with excessively dark tinted windscreens and windows, creating safety risks and enabling irresponsible behavior on the roads. This practice reduces visibility for drivers and law enforcement alike, increasing the likelihood of accidents and hindering effective policing. It is hoped that the introduction of tint meters for use by law enforcement officers will strengthen enforcement efforts, promote compliance with regulations, and deter offensive and unsafe practices associated with illegal window tinting.

While loud music prevents drivers from hearing sirens or responding appropriately to emergency vehicles. These behaviors reflect a troubling lack of responsibility and place lives at risk daily. Recent major accidents involving the Demerara Harbour Bridge further highlight the severity of the problem and underscore the urgent need for stricter compliance and enforcement.

Particularly alarming are incidents involving drivers who do not possess valid licenses, exposing serious weaknesses in enforcement and oversight that must be urgently addressed.

This pattern of indiscipline is occurring at a time when the country is experiencing rapid infrastructural development. While improved roads and transportation networks are welcome, infrastructure alone cannot ensure safety without responsible driving behavior, proper licensing, and consistent, visible enforcement of the law.

Equally concerning are persistent reports that some law enforcement officers and even officials within the judicial system have been known to accept bribes—whether to overlook traffic violations or to facilitate the improper issuance of driver’s licenses. Such practices erode public trust, weaken the rule of law, and encourage further non-compliance.

That said, these realities should not detract from the honesty, dedication, and professionalism of the many hardworking men and women in public service who carry out their duties with integrity.

I therefore call for immediate and decisive action from all stakeholders. Law enforcement agencies must intensify traffic enforcement, eliminate corruption within their ranks, and ensure penalties are applied fairly and consistently. Policymakers must strengthen licensing systems, expand road safety education, and strictly enforce pedestrian protections, especially around schools. Parents, teachers, community leaders, and civil society must also play an active role by reporting violations and demanding accountability. Road safety is not optional; it is a national responsibility. If we fail to act now, we accept preventable injuries and loss of life as the cost of indifference—an outcome our nation cannot afford

Latest News

Compliance with road safety and traffic laws in Guyana is alarmingly low

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Similar Articles

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Listen to the The Glenn Lall Show

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Slingerz to face Police FC in Elite League Cup decider

VIEW ALL SPORTS

Features/Columnists

Saving Stabroek News

Sir. Ronald Sanders

Reinvigoration with Purpose: Rubio, CARICOM, and the Work of

The GHK Lall Column

Iran may be readier than thought

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

> Berbice Bridge […]