Traffic cops renew call for proper headlights, helmets after fatal ECD crash
Traffic officials are again urging motorists to avoid using excessively bright or improperly fitted headlights and are pressing motorcyclists and electric bike riders to wear helmets, following a recent fatal accident on the East Coast of Demerara.
The warnings came during a road safety programme where members of the Guyana Police Force and the National Road Safety Council highlighted behaviours contributing to crashes and deaths on the roadway.
National Road Safety Council President Earl Lambert raised concern about vehicles being retrofitted with brighter lights than originally designed, noting that some drivers alter their headlights after purchase. “We spoke about these lights that they’re retrofitting the vehicles with. The vehicles come with one thing and then these people take out that and they put on,” he said, adding that in some cases drivers claim the changes are needed because of tinted windscreens.
President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, said the issue is under review and could soon attract stricter enforcement. While not detailing the full policy approach, he indicated measures may be rolled out in the coming months.
The discussion also turned to a fatal weekend accident near Ann’s Grove involving an electric bike rider. Andrews said the rider was not wearing a helmet and appeared to be travelling in the middle of the roadway moments before the collision, based on footage he reviewed. He stressed that head protection could have made a difference in the outcome. “If you’re not wearing a helmet, the first thing that happens when you fall from those bikes on the road is that you hit your head,” he said.
Traffic officials used the incident to reiterate that helmet use remains critical for riders, especially at night or on poorly lit roads. Sergeant Anjan Bhangradian, who oversees traffic at the Kitty Police Station, said motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users because of the risk of head injuries in a crash.
He reminded drivers and riders that safety should not depend on police presence. “Road safety is everyone’s business. It is not just the police business,” he said, urging compliance with traffic laws at all times.
Officials are encouraging the public to remind family members and friends who ride motorcycles or electric bikes to wear helmets and operate responsibly, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
