Traffic Statistics Report: January 1 to June 14, 2025
The Ministry of Home Affairs is urging all road users to take greater responsibility for safety on the roadways following a troubling rise in fatal accidents. Between January 1 and June 14, 2025, the country recorded 54 fatal road accidents, an increase of 17% compared to 46 during the same period in 2024. These accidents resulted in 58 deaths, up from 56 in the previous year.
The increase in road fatalities is deeply concerning. These are not just numbers; they represent lives cut short, families left grieving, and communities bearing the burden of preventable loss. Speeding continues to be the leading cause of death on the road, accounting for 48 of the 54 fatal accidents in 2025. Other contributing factors include inattentiveness, with five cases recorded, and pedestrian error in at least one instance.
Despite the general rise in fatalities, there were some areas of improvement. Most notably, child fatalities decreased by 67%, moving from three deaths in 2024 to one in 2025. Serious accidents dropped by 9%, minor accidents by 6%, and damage-only accidents by 4%. Overall, the total number of traffic accidents fell slightly from 687 in 2024 to 660 in 2025, a 4% decrease.
A detailed breakdown of road users killed in 2025 shows motorcyclists continue to be the most vulnerable group, with 30 deaths recorded, up from 20 in 2024, a 50% increase. Of these, 23 were not wearing helmets. Pillion riders, motorcycle passengers, saw an alarming 600% increase in deaths, rising from just one in 2024 to seven in 2025. None of these riders were wearing helmets. Pedal cyclist fatalities increased from four to five, and four of those individuals were also not wearing helmets.
On a more encouraging note, pedestrian fatalities dropped significantly from 16 in 2024 to nine in 2025, a 43.8% decrease. However, four of these deaths were due to inattentiveness, and two occurred because of pedestrians crossing into the path of oncoming vehicles. Occupants of cars accounted for eight deaths in 2025, none of whom were wearing seat belts. There were also seven driver fatalities, with five failing to wear seat belts. No deaths were reported among minibus passengers or among those being towed or riding in lorries and vans.
The Ministry of Home Affairs continues to promote its “Do the Right Thing” campaign, which urges all Guyanese to adopt a culture of safety and responsibility on the road. The statistics show a clear pattern: failure to wear helmets and seat belts, combined with speeding and inattentiveness, is claiming lives. These are all avoidable choices.
The Ministry is calling on all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to make better decisions. Wearing a seat belt or helmet can be the difference between life and death. Slowing down and paying attention can save a family from lifelong sorrow. Each person has a role to play in reversing these troubling trends and fostering safer roads for everyone.
The message is simple: Do the Right Thing. Respect the rules, protect your life, and help increase the peace on our roadways.