In a troubling escalation of road accidents, 2024 has seen an increase in accidents involving trucks and lorries across the country. According to recent statistics from the Guyana Police Force, there have been 205 such incidents so far this year, with 18 tragically resulting in fatalities.
This represents a striking 30 per cent increase compared to the 153 accidents reported in the same period last year.
The figures, which cover the period from January 1 to August 26, 2024, reveal a concerning trend. This year alone, there have been 187 non-fatal and 18 fatal accidents involving trucks, up from 143 non-fatal and 15 fatal incidents in 2023.
Trucks and lorries, often carrying heavy loads such as sand, stones, or mud, have become a common sight on the roads with the ongoing construction and infrastructural works countrywide. Previously, regulations were established to manage their presence on the roads during specific times to mitigate congestion and risk.
Additionally, periodic meetings with truck drivers were held to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
However, despite these measures, the situation appears to be deteriorating. At a recent Road Safety Stakeholders Forum, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn underscored the gravity of the issue. Benn noted that the number of vehicles, particularly trucks, has surged in recent years, with truck traffic doubling over time.
Alarmingly, over 70 per cent of the accidents are attributed to speeding, reflecting a critical lapse in road safety practices.
Benn emphasized the need for a cultural shift in road safety awareness, stating, “We need to take every death on the road, every injury personal.
“We have to invest the time, effort, consciousness in respect of using the road to avoid these situations.”
To address the escalating recklessness, Benn proposed an increase in road traffic fines, suggesting that tripling the penalties could serve as a deterrent to dangerous driving behaviors.
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