Gya: #5 in road deaths in the Americas

GUYANA is ranked fifth among countries in the Americas in terms of rates of traffic-related deaths, and according to Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, this frightening statistic ought to jar Guyanese out of their complacent approach to road usage.

"We cannot stand by and allow the carnage on our roads to continue unabated," Dr. Ramsammy said in a message to mark World Health Day, which is being observed today under the theme - 'Road Safety Is No Accident'.

"With more and better roads, poor driving habits and poor use of roads in general, the rates of deaths and the carnage would continue to increase unless we do something now..." the Health Minister said.

He said it is not only the deaths, but the number of persons injured, including those disabled for life that are frightening. "We estimate that the cost of taking care of accident victims amount to more than $100M per year at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation alone," he contended.

Two things can reduce the number of deaths: seat belts and reduced speed. Guyana has the same problem that T&T has. Too many drivers who are too macho to wear a seat belt, and too many drivers who think that high velocity is the only way to drive.