Drivers are being urged to slow down and exercise patience as Guyana observes Road Safety Month. Prime Minister Mark Phillips says efforts are also underway to strengthen traffic enforcement and improve street lighting, road markings and signs.

Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh has indicated that between January and November 103 people had died in 94 crashes. Road deaths were down 16 per cent compared with the same period last year.

“Every life lost on our roads is a family shattered, a dream unfulfilled, and a future taken away,” Singh said.

The Guyana Police Force is stepping up enforcement and public education this month however Singh said the success of those efforts depend on people changing how they use the roads.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond urged motorists to pay attention and avoid risky lane changes. She said road safety should be a daily habit for everyone, whether they are driving, walking, riding or travelling as passengers.

Phillips also urged road users to follow the Police Force’s five principles of responsible road use, which are care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy.

The November campaign is being held under the theme “Every Life Matters, Every Road User Has a Responsibility.”