Guyana Times Reports : An alarming increase in fatal and serious accidents on Guyana’s roadways is raising concerns within the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department, even as minor collisions have declined, according to Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh.
Speaking during a recent Traffic Watch broadcast, Singh stressed that road safety remains a shared responsibility and called on all road users to exercise greater caution as development continues across the country.
“There is an issue that exists on the roadways where accidents occur with a frequency that demands that every single person in the equation of road safety take responsibility seriously,” Singh said.
Statistical analysis reveals a concerning trend in deadly crashes. The Traffic Chief reported that fatal accidents have increased significantly compared to the same period last year, with 33 recorded fatalities in 2026 to date, compared to 28 in 2025—an increase of five deaths, or approximately 18 per cent.
Serious accidents have also risen, with 35 recorded this year compared to 31 last year, representing an increase of over 13 per cent.
While minor and damage-related accidents have declined substantially—down 24 per cent and 37 per cent respectively compared to last year—Singh cautioned against viewing these improvements as a major achievement.
“That doesn’t speak much to really anything that you should boast about from the traffic department standpoint,” he noted, emphasizing that the increase in fatal and serious accidents overshadows these minor improvements.
Singh maintained that the overall trend highlights the urgent need for stronger adherence to road safety practices. He emphasized that discipline and personal responsibility among all categories of road users are critical to reversing the dangerous trajectory.
“What we demand is that in every space, every driver, every road user, they understand the role that they must play… that caution is not an option and personal responsibility is not optional either,” Singh stated.
The Traffic Chief stressed that safer road use is measurable and produces direct outcomes. “The discipline with which the road is used leads to less accidents, greater safety,” he said.
Continued Enforcement Efforts
The traffic department continues to urge motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to comply with traffic laws as part of a broader effort to reduce accidents and improve safety nationwide. Over the years, the GPF’s Traffic Department has intensified enforcement through roadblocks, speed guns, and public awareness campaigns, particularly during peak travel periods and national holidays.
Singh asserted that there remains much work to be done. “We can do more,” he concluded.
