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– NRSC reports during pedestrian safety week observanceBy Rehanna Ramsay “Pedestrians are the most frequent victims of fatal traffic accidents in the world,Matt Holliday Jersey, an average of 5,St. Louis Cardinals Brett Cecil Jersey,000 pedestrians are killed on the roadways around the globe, each week.” This was reported as Guyana concentrated on Pedestrian Safety Week, where more emphasis was placed on the safety of those most vulnerable on the roadways.”Nigel Erskine,Houston Astros Brian McCann Jersey, Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) said last Wednesday as he outlined the aim of this week’s campaign,Alex Avila Jersey, “Pedestrian safety should be given priority because throughout the Americas pedestrians account for 23 per cent of all road deaths.”Students of Stella Maris Primary during a national school safety patrol exercise.“In Guyana 38 persons including five children have been killed so far in the year, due to road accidents.”According to the NRSC chairman, it is quite a common practice of Governments and road safety agencies to cater for the protection and guidance of motorists.“The roads are designed with safety signs, traffic lights and various demarcations to protect motorists. However, little emphasis is placed on pedestrians. In Guyana there is a lack of sidewalks, appropriate signs and symbols to guide pedestrians.”The council will seek to persuade government to place more emphasis on the safety of pedestrians while law enforcement agencies will be asked to insist on the regulations that will guarantee improved safety of pedestrians. The implementation of additional laws that ensure protection of pedestrians will also be encouraged.The NRSC will be collaborating with various agencies including the Pan-American Health Organisation,Detroit Tigers Omar Vizquel Jersey, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force.Several public awareness programmes are scheduled while several existing pedestrian crossings in regions across the country will be repainted.Ramona Doorgen, coordinator of the NRSC reiterated that although pedestrians top the list as the most vulnerable on roadways,Wilson Ramos Jersey, in Guyana the motorcyclists have been leading the death toll.“We are calling on motorcyclists to take precautions; look out for yourselves, wear a helmet… Even the laws of Guyana say this,Joaquin Benoit Jersey, don’t wait until something detrimental happens before you do.”The NRSC which consists of 19 executive members and 350 volunteers,Brett Cecil Jersey, Doorgen says,Cleveland Indians Yan Gomes Jersey, will continue to lend support in diverse capacities to those affected by mishaps that occur along the roads.Doorgen vowed that NRSC as an advisory body will continually make suitable recommendations to various administrations for valuable execution of policies that will ensure the safeguarding of all pedestrians and road users.Doorgen says that every citizen should take responsibility for their actions, practice caution and be aware of the safe practices that will decrease misfortune on the roads. She added that “the media’s involvement in raising awareness about road safety is important.”Eric Benjamin, an executive member of the road safety committee, called on the private sector for their involvement and financial support to council as it reaches out to raise awareness and propel improved road safety practices. |
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