HGP Nightly News – Guyana’s roads are facing a mounting safety crisis, with the Traffic Department reporting more than 4,000 violations in just one week. The figures, covering March 15–21, 2026, reveal a troubling picture of reckless driving and disregard for basic safety rules.
Speeding remains the most dangerous habit, with 1,549 drivers caught pushing past the limits. But the report also highlights other worrying trends: dozens of motorists driving under the influence, hundreds failing to wear seatbelts or helmets, and even cases of unlicensed drivers and vehicles left in hazardous positions. Officials say the sheer scale of violations reflects not only the risks posed by individual drivers but also the growing strain on Guyana’s roadways as traffic volumes rise with rapid development.
Police ranks have stepped up patrols along busy corridors such as the East Bank and East Coast Demerara, but enforcement alone is not enough. The department has rolled out a nationwide education campaign, meeting drivers at construction sites, schools, and even social venues to push home the message of responsibility. Young people are a particular focus, with traffic officers visiting classrooms across multiple regions to instill safe habits early. Outreach has also reached hinterland communities, underscoring the national scope of the problem.
Despite these efforts, speeding and impaired driving continue to claim lives. Authorities warn that unless drivers change their behaviour, Guyana will remain vulnerable to preventable tragedies. The department’s message is clear: road safety is not just about avoiding fines — it is about protecting lives.
