HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The 29 traffic-related fatalities in 2023 add up to the highest number seen on island during one year, according to the Department of Public Works.
On Friday, the DPW Office of Highway Safety issued a press release related to the office’s collaboration with the Guam Police Department’s Highway Patrol Division in expressing the “importance of safe driving habits during this holiday season.”
The release comes a week after two crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend resulted in the death of two individuals, which put the number of traffic deaths this year at 29, which is more than double the number of deaths in 2022.
The number, DPW confirmed in the release, was a record for the most traffic deaths in one year.
“Unfortunately, Guam has reported the highest number of traffic fatalities for 2023 with 29 total fatalities, to date,” the release stated.
According to DPW Deputy Director Linda Ibanez, prior to this year, the most traffic deaths in one year was 24 in 2018.
Ibanez also provided data of numbers from recent years, starting from 2017, when there were 15 traffic deaths.
- 18 deaths in 2019
- 14 deaths in 2020
- 16 deaths in 2021
- 14 deaths in 2022
Causes
In light of the record number of traffic deaths, DPW stated in the release the leading causes of the crashes were speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and distracted driving.
Although the two most recent crashes in Asan and Yigo on Thanksgiving night and Black Friday, respectively, are currently under investigation, GPD revealed earlier this year several fatal crashes were caused by “excessive speeding.”
Further in the release, DPW explained the statistics underscored “the critical need for heightened awareness and adherence to safe driving laws on our island.”
With a month left to go in the year and December being a month where Guam has averaged three traffic-related fatalities from 2018 to 2021, according to a column last year written by GPD Officer Morgan Reyes, an investigator with the Highway Patrol Division, DPW used the release to place emphasis on the main areas of concern to ensure safe driving.
Advisory
Public Works first expressed the importance of adhering to road signs and speed limits.
“It is essential drivers comply with all traffic signs, signals and speed limits on Guam’s roadways. The DPW has ensured proper signage; however, it is the responsibility of drivers to follow these guidelines conscientiously. By adhering to established road regulations, we can collectively reduce the risk of crashes and protect lives,” DPW stated in the release.
Another point of concern was to “mitigate distracted driving” by drivers refraining from using electronic devices to “ensure optimal focus on the road.” DPW also stated it was “imperative” for individuals not to drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances by assigning a designated driver, using ride-sharing services or arranging alternative transportation options.
Using headlights and being aware of pedestrians were two more points of concern pointed out by DPW.
“From dusk to dawn, during periods of low visibility and during unfavorable weather conditions, drivers must engage their headlights to enhance visibility and increase the likelihood of being seen by other motorists,” DPW stated.
“The holiday season brings increased foot traffic as people gather and celebrate. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution near crosswalks, school zones, residential areas and other areas of high foot traffic,” DPW added.
To report reckless driving and/or suspected impaired drivers on the road, concerned people can call GPD Dispatch at 671-475-8615~7.
Vehicles navigate through a Hågat intersection with malfunctioning traffic lights on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
