He said the Act, which applies to all drivers of motor vehicles, will help reduce major injuries.

"If you use the seat belt, in case of collision or when a vehicle comes to an abrupt stop, the wearer may receive minor injuries," Wilson stated in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

But he pointed out that seat belts do not avoid accidents.

Alluding to questions about why only the front seat occupants are required to comply, Wilson said: "It is the driver who has the responsibility for the passenger. The seat belt is a precautionary measure. When an accident occurs, it is the front seat occupants who are usually killed or seriously injured."

Asked about the implications for a passenger who does not want to wear a seat belt, he said the driver knows it is compulsory and, if a passenger is not cooperative, the driver has the right to refuse the passenger.

Speaking about the bend on the road in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy in Kitty, Georgetown, where a number of accidents have occurred, the Traffic Chief said there is a sign on the southern side of the roadway, warning drivers to slow down.

Wilson said investigations have proved that speeding is the cause of many mishaps which occur at that location but the Police will consider whether it is appropriate to put a 'sleeping policeman' (road hump) there.

He noted that access roads have humps but acknowledged that putting them on main thoroughfares would create problems.

Wilson maintained that, if drivers adhere to signs and are more cautious, accidents would not happen and lives would be saved.

He said traffic lights have been a grave concern to him and he admitted that some are not functioning, the result of them being "a little too old."

Wilson said, though, that his department is trying to maintain the system in the face of fluctuating electricity supply.