The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a stark warning about the alarming increase in road fatalities occurring during nighttime hours, attributing the rise to reckless driving behaviors that escalate when police presence diminishes after dark.
Inspector Ramdas, Traffic Officer of Regional Division 4B, East Bank Demerara (EBD), revealed this troubling trend during a recent “Road Safety and You” programme. He highlighted a clear pattern emerging in which road users disregard speed limits and safety measures once night falls.
“If you follow the pattern of fatal accidents, most of these fatal accidents happen in the night, from like 6 to 12 or 1, 2 o’clock in the afternoon or early in the morning,” Inspector Ramdas stated. He explained that while daytime traffic is slowed by ongoing road construction, reducing the likelihood of serious crashes, nighttime presents a different scenario. With fewer vehicles on the road and no active construction work, drivers often take advantage of open roads, leading to disastrous consequences.
The severity of the situation is underscored by the stark increase in road deaths compared to the previous year. Inspector Ramdas confirmed that the numbers have already tripled. “From last year, we had one single fatal accident to date. From this year, from January to date, we have had three fatal accidents,” he revealed.
This surge in nighttime fatalities contributes to the overall concerning statistics for road deaths in Guyana. As of February 2025, 97 persons have lost their lives in road accidents this year, with pedestrians and motorcyclists making up the majority of victims. While this represents a decrease from the 140 deaths recorded during the same period last year, authorities stress that more action is needed to curb the rising trend.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to do much more now to curb the situation. We can’t allow this to continue. The situation is one which needs immediate response. We have to take stronger measures perhaps.”
In response to the crisis, authorities are implementing several measures to enhance road safety. The GPF, in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has installed speed radar signs along several highways. These radars serve as a preventative measure, alerting drivers in real-time when they exceed the speed limit.
Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh emphasized that this initiative is not intended to capture photos of speeding vehicles but to help motorists, especially those unfamiliar with certain areas, maintain safe speeds. This project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to use technology and data to improve traffic management.
Additionally, authorities are pleading with drivers to reduce their speed and exercise caution, especially in construction zones. “We have seen an increase in accidents, and I am begging road users to slow down. Take your time on the road. The road is under construction. There’s a lot of potholes that have water and all these things. Slow down. Take your time on the road. Use the road with caution and save a life,” Inspector Ramdas urged.
As Guyana grapples with this pressing issue, the GPF continues to monitor high-risk areas and educate drivers. However, they stress that road safety ultimately depends on individual responsibility. The authorities’ message is clear: nighttime driving requires extra vigilance, adherence to speed limits, and a commitment to safe driving practices to prevent further loss of life on Guyana’s roads.
