National Road Safety Month Kicks Off in Anna Regina: A Pledge for Safer Roads
National Road Safety Month Kicks Off in Anna Regina: A Pledge for Safer Roads
In a unified effort to underscore the paramount importance of road safety within society, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), and the Ministry of Home Affairs have joined hands to launch National Road Safety Month. The overarching theme for this initiative is “Road safety is not a slogan.”
The formal inauguration took place on November 8, 2023, in the heart of Regional Police Division #2 at the Anna Regina car park, located on the picturesque Essequibo Coast. This launch signifies the commencement of numerous events scheduled throughout November, collectively observed as ‘Road Safety Month.’
The launch was highlighted by a vibrant road parade featuring participants from the Joint Services, Ministry of Health representatives, local police, Community Policing Groups (CPG), Station Management Committees (SMC), National Road Safety Council (NRSC) members, and the Essequibo Road Safety Council (ERSC). Schoolchildren hailing from Charity, CV Nunes, Anna Regina, and Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) played a pivotal role in setting the stage for the event.
The young students delivered compelling poetry recitations and captivating dances, powerfully underscoring the profound impact of traffic-related fatalities on families and communities.
As part of an extensive outreach strategy, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh called for engagement in various settings, including bars, schools, and parking lots, to raise awareness and foster education. He emphasized the critical role of enforcement in upholding road safety regulations and urged the public to adhere to traffic laws diligently. He stressed the importance of responsible road use to preserve lives, time, and financial resources, especially as the holiday season approaches. He strongly encouraged having designated drivers when alcohol is involved, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding every life on the road.
During his keynote address, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, delivered an impassioned speech, emphasizing the shared responsibility for road safety. He underscored that the commitment to road safety extends beyond government programs and necessitates active participation from both businesses and residents in maintaining a safe road environment. Minister Benn reaffirmed that road safety is a collective concern with far-reaching implications for public health, societal well-being, economic stability, and transportation.
Minister Benn highlighted the alarming statistic that nearly 80% of accidents are attributable to speeding, which encompasses various risky behaviors, including alcohol misuse, distracted driving, and more. He emphasized the need for shifting youth mindsets and behaviors to create a safer road environment.
Additionally, Minister Benn called upon drivers to adhere to road regulations and exercise caution at all times. He urged the public not to exhibit hostility towards law enforcement officers during the execution of their duties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between the public and traffic ranks.
The launch of National Road Safety Month signifies a significant step toward instilling behavioral changes, fostering accountability, and ultimately ensuring safer roads for all. This collaborative initiative underscores the pressing need for a cultural transformation in attitudes toward road use and necessitates concerted efforts from all sectors of society.
Indeed, road safety is not merely a catchphrase but a way of life that affects every individual, every day. Present at the launch were Commander for Regional Police Division #2 Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran and his dedicated administrative team.
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