Suriname’s Traffic Safety Institute (VVI) has declared 2026 a year of decisive action rather than delayed planning in its intensified campaign to reduce road accidents and casualties. Under a sharpened policy direction, the institute will prioritize prevention, enhanced enforcement, and improved data analytics through close collaboration with the Suriname Police Force (KPS) and other security partners.
VVI Director Joanne Kasno-Adraai emphasized that traffic safety constitutes an urgent necessity rather than a luxury. ‘Far too many lives are affected annually by preventable traffic incidents,’ Kasno-Adraai stated. ‘The recent severe bus accident and numerous casualties early this year demonstrate we can no longer afford delays. Immediate action is required.’
Following consultations with the Ministry of Justice and Police leadership, VVI has established its 2026 policy framework according to Suriname’s Communication Service. This strategy rests upon four foundational pillars: prevention, education, strengthened enforcement, and innovative data applications. A cornerstone initiative involves the official launch of a five-year strategic traffic safety plan scheduled for presentation to the government shortly.
Two measures have been designated particularly urgent within this framework: deployment of specialized traffic enforcement units and implementation of moped certification. Kasno-Adraai confirmed these proposals have been fully developed and await execution. ‘This is no longer about planning but implementation,’ she asserted. ‘Every delay costs human lives.’
VVI data reveals moped riders currently represent the largest group of traffic victims, highlighting the necessity for improved training, testing, and guidance. Moped certification aims to foster safer riding behavior, increased responsibility awareness, and structural accident reduction.
Enforcement will receive enhanced focus during 2026 through specialized training and deployment of traffic enforcement specialists to bolster KPS capabilities. Traffic education programs will target secondary educational institutions, engaging not only students but also teachers and parents. Special enforcement protocols have been prepared for high-risk holiday periods.
Supporting these initiatives, VVI is developing a modern data dashboard to provide policymakers and enforcement agencies with real-time traffic insights. Concurrently, traffic safety awareness will be actively promoted across television, radio, print media, and digital platforms.
‘The Ministry of Justice and Police, VVI, and KPS are collectively working toward one objective: sustainably reducing traffic casualties and creating safer road environments for everyone,’ Kasno-Adraai concluded. ‘But certain steps must be taken immediately.’