Road accidents across Guyana have dropped by 19 per cent this year in all categories.

This is according to the Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force, Mahindra Singh.

The decline is linked to consistent visible enforcement, sustained public awareness programmes and the government’s investment in traffic technology.

“Year after year, you’re seeing a reduction in accidents… It may not be to the desired level as yet, but we are getting there,” Singh said during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast on Sunday.

Fatalities have also eased.

The country has recorded 83 fatal accidents and 89 deaths so far this year, compared with 84 fatal accidents and 93 deaths for the same period last year.

Child deaths fell from five to two, which Singh said shows that school lectures and public awareness work are having an effect.

Technology has been central to the effort. The Safe Road Intelligence System (SRIS), fully rolled out on April 7, 2025, has issued more than 70,000 e-tickets, and more than 38,000 have been paid.

Its cameras now cover 112 lanes in Regions Three and Four, and another 48 lanes in Regions Four and Ten are expected to come online before the end of the year.

“Previously, we had nothing else to do than to go and stand and wait with a radar gun until you detect the offence,” the traffic chief said.

The Traffic Department also uses data-driven black spot analysis to decide where ranks are deployed. It holds lectures for drivers and at bars to reinforce the responsibilities set out in the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act of 2022.

Singh was clear, however, that dangerous driving remains a serious problem. He pointed to speeding, distracted and impaired driving, and careless driving, along with a disregard for traffic laws that he said has become “a norm.”

Speeding is the leading cause of fatal accidents, accounting for 65 this year, although that is down from 70 last year.

Fatal accidents linked to inattentiveness rose from nine to 14, and those involving pedestrians crossing into the path of vehicles increased from four to five. Two fatal accidents this year involved drunk driving, and those files have been completed for motor manslaughter charges.

The East Bank Demerara division has recorded the most fatal accidents, with 19. Central Georgetown and East Coast Demerara follow with 14 each.

Twenty-seven drivers have had their licences suspended this year for dangerous driving and speeding. Under the demerit points system, those suspensions range from six to 12 months.

With new roads such as the Heroes Highway coming on stream, Singh said plans are already in place to staff police outposts and maintain a mobile presence so the department can deter and detect offences as the road network grows.