Tragedy Strikes on East Bank Essequibo Road

By Mark DaCosta- A pedestrian’s life was tragically cut short early on Sunday morning following a fatal collision with a speeding vehicle on the Orangestein Public Road, situated on the East Bank of Essequibo. The incident, which occurred around 04:10 hours, involved a motorcar, registration number PAB 2332, driven by a young male from Meten-Meer-Zorg, a locality on the West Coast of Demerara. The identity of the pedestrian remains unknown, highlighting a growing concern for safety on the roads of our nation. The police are asking the public to help with identifying the victim.

According to initial reports from law enforcement, the driver of PAB 2332 was travelling eastward at a potentially hazardous speed along the northern lane. Eyewitnesses noted that the pedestrian was also progressing eastward along the same side when he unexpectedly darted across the roadway from the northern pavement to the southern side, placing himself directly in the path of the vehicle. In an effort to avert the impending disaster, the motorist swerved; however, the collision was unavoidable, as the front left side of the car struck the pedestrian, leading to the vehicle veering off and landing in the southern trench.

This incident underscores the dire state of road safety in our country. According to the National Road Safety Council, traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of mortality and injury, with a staggering average of 500 reported crashes annually. A significant number of these incidents stem from reckless driving, failure to adhere to speed limits, and pedestrians crossing indiscriminately. The rising frequency of catastrophic accidents raises urgent questions: Are our leaders doing enough to ensure the safety of the citizens who traverse these uneven roadways, or are we witnessing a persistent neglect of public safety?

This painful accident comes at a time when road safety reforms are desperately needed. Reports from various NGOs have indicated a worrying trend behind road accidents, primarily linked to poor driver discipline, lax enforcement of traffic regulations by authorities, and inadequate infrastructure. This case further demonstrates the urgent need for meaningful reforms in how transportation is managed in our nation.

Local authorities have been reminded of the grave responsibilities that accompany leadership positions, especially when it comes to safeguarding citizens on the roads. The consequences of negligence can be both profound and enduring; a single moment of carelessness can irrevocably alter lives. The current administration, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has been called out for its failure to address the escalating road safety crisis adequately. Citizens increasingly express frustration at the absence of effective measures that could mitigate these tragic occurrences.

While communities across Guyana strive for greater accountability from those in power, the importance of raising awareness about pedestrian safety cannot be overstated. Vigilance is paramount — both for drivers respecting speed limits and for pedestrians being cautious as they navigate their surroundings.

The loss of a life on our roads is not merely a statistic but a profound tragedy that ripples through families and communities,