103 road deaths recorded so far in 2026 despite 16% decline in accidents

…“Road safety is about protecting lives,” PM as Guyana launches Road Safety Month

Despite a 16 per cent decline in total traffic accidents between January 1 and October 31, 2026, Guyana has recorded 103 road deaths so far this year, prompting renewed calls from Government and road safety officials for greater responsibility among all road users.

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond on Wednesday stressed that road safety is about more than obeying traffic laws, emphasising the need to protect lives as Guyana officially launched Road Safety Month during a television broadcast.
The month of activities was officially introduced during a broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN), featuring Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh; Coordinator of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, Ramona Durjan; and Inspector Richard Trotz, who is responsible for traffic education within the Force.
The broadcast included video messages from PM Phillips and Minister Walrond.
The PM, in his message, stressed that every road user has a responsibility to contribute to safer roadways, while Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond reminded Guyanese that road safety must be a daily commitment and not something given attention for only one month of the year.
Their messages were reinforced by Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, who acknowledged that although considerable work has been done and the latest statistics indicate improvements in road safety, much more remains to be done to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Protecting lives
“As we observe Road Safety Month, I wish to remind every Guyanese that road safety is about more than obeying traffic laws. It is about protecting lives and ensuring that everyone returns home safe,” the PM stated.
Phillips said achieving safer roads requires cooperation among Ministries, enforcement agencies, the private sector, civil society and every Guyanese citizen.
He noted that the Government remains committed to strengthening traffic law enforcement, expanding road safety education and improving road infrastructure through better street lighting, clearer road markings, and improved traffic signage.
However, he emphasised that these interventions must be complemented by responsible behaviour from all road users.
The PM urged Guyanese to observe the Guyana Police Force’s five principles of responsible road use: Care, Caution, Consideration, Common Sense, and Courtesy.
“These principles must guide us whether we are driving, riding, or walking,” he said, while encouraging citizens to respect speed limits, avoid reckless and distracted driving, and remain mindful of the safety of others.
Meanwhile, Walrond, in her video message, emphasised that the responsibility for road safety extends beyond the activities planned for November.
“Road Safety Month reminds us that every person who uses our roads has a responsibility to do so safely. But road safety cannot be something we focus on for just one month. It must be a commitment we make every day,” the Minister said.
She urged all road users to slow down, exercise patience, obey traffic laws and respect one another, noting that a few seconds of care could prevent a lifetime of loss.

Road death stats
The statistics presented during Wednesday’s launch showed that total traffic accidents declined by 16 per cent between January 1 and October 31, 2026, compared with the corresponding period last year. Fatal accidents also decreased by two per cent, while the number of persons killed fell from 107 to 103. A reduction in the number of children killed was also reported.
While acknowledging the improvements, Singh cautioned against interpreting the figures as a reason for complacency, pointing out that each statistic represents a person who has either lost their life or suffered significant injuries in an accident.
“Well, each number represents somebody who has died or been injured significantly from an accident. It tells you that, notwithstanding how much work was done in the past, there’s still much more to be done,” the Traffic Chief said.
He explained that the activities planned for the month provide an opportunity to examine what has been accomplished, identify what more can be done, and determine the changes necessary to improve road safety.
Singh further disclosed that the national objective is to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in all classes of accidents and deaths by 2030.
While recognising the work being undertaken by the GPF, with assistance from its partners and stakeholders, he stressed that road safety cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone.
“The business of road safety actually is a shared responsibility. And each and every one of us has a role to play to accomplish that desired level of safety with which the road is used,” he stated.
According to Singh, one of the major challenges remains the behaviour of road users, particularly motorists who continue to take unnecessary risks despite knowing the dangers associated with their actions.
“It’s a behavioural issue. Drivers are willing to take the risk at the expense of every other person,” he said.
He pointed to speeding as one of the significant causes of accidents, explaining that motorists must exercise greater caution, particularly when approaching congested areas or locations where pedestrians are present.
Singh also outlined measures being employed by the GPF to address speeding, including the use of radar guns, targeted Police deployments in accident-prone areas, mobile patrols and speed cameras.
He disclosed that approximately 84,000 speeding tickets had already been issued since the introduction of the camera system, with some drivers accumulating as many as 80 tickets. The system is currently deployed along key roadways in Regions Three and Four, with plans for expansion to other regions.
The Traffic Chief added that enforcement measures, including fines and the demerit point system, are intended to encourage motorists to change their behaviour and become more responsible road users.
During the discussion, Trotz noted that although motorists are generally aware of the laws and regulations governing road use, their actions are often influenced by rushing, distractions and a failure to exercise caution.
He also highlighted the responsibility of pedestrians to use sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, remain alert and avoid distractions such as cell phones while navigating roadways.
Trotz encouraged motorists to practise defensive driving by constantly scanning their surroundings and anticipating potential hazards.
“Whilst driving on the road, you should scan at all times. We should always predict what would happen next. What if? It’s called the what-if strategy,” he explained.
The panel also discussed the importance of wearing helmets, with both Singh and Trotz emphasising that motorcycle operators, pillion riders, and pedal cyclists should wear appropriate helmets and ensure they are properly secured.
Apart from the discussions, the launch featured live broadcasts of road safety education sessions being conducted at schools across the country. Among the participating institutions were Diamond Secondary, Belladrum Secondary in Berbice, Abram Zuil Secondary and Anna Regina Secondary.
Police officers engaged students on several aspects of road safety, including the five Cs, the importance of wearing helmets and the proper use of pedestrian crossings.
Durjan, in outlining the purpose of the month of activities, said the intention is to ensure that road safety messages reach communities throughout the country.
She urged drivers, pedestrians and other road users to slow down, look out for one another and recognise that everyone has a role to play in preventing accidents.

Source: Guyana Times