Society must practice safe driving to ensure road fatalities are minimized-Minister Rohee during National Road Safety annual walk

The National Road Safety Council in a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force on Sunday observed ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’ with a walk from the intersection of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen to the junction at Sheriff Street.
The activity was held under the theme, “Fast Driving Takes Lives, Careful Driving Saves Lives.”
             Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee who delivered the key address at the event called on society to take heed and act now, since road safety is everyone’s business and, not just a matter for the Guyana Police Force.


Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee addressing the gathering during the National Road Safety Council’s annual Road Safety Walk

            While sympathising with the many that lost their loved ones as a result of accidents on the country’s roadways, the Home Affairs Minister said that the activities held in recognition of ‘Road Safety Month’ serve to remind people of the necessity to maintain safety on the roads.
            “We must always continue to talk about road safety in respect of what job we do. This year I am pleased with the number of activities hosted by the National Road Safety Council to sensitise persons about road fatalities, and which has contributed significantly to the consciousness of the subject,” he said.
            Minister Rohee pointed out that notwithstanding the laws passed in the National Assembly and the enforcement of the latter by the Guyana Police Force and the council; there are still errant road users whose actions result in the loss of innocent lives.
            As such, he stated that the sensitisation of society on the importance of not speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol cannot be stopped.


Members of Community Policing Groups during the National Road Safety Council’s annual Road Safety Walk

“We cannot give up but we need to further expand our interest and to continue to hold different activities to ensure that people are more aware of the dangers of speeding,” he indicated.
            According to the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department to date, the statistics have shown that there are 108 road fatalities compared to 104 for last year for the corresponding period.
            Of the figure seven have been listed as children and as such, the Guyana Police Force has been ramping-up patrols to ensure that motorists, pedestrians and pedal cyclists  comply with the road safety rules and regulations.
            The road march also saw the participation of Community Policing Groups, Scouts and members of the Mothers in Black Group.