147 road fatalities since the start of the year
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the Transport Ministry is renewing the call for motorists to desist from speeding on the roads in the wake of mounting fatalities.
Since the start of the year, 147 people have died in traffic crashes, prompting the RSU to re-issue the call. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, passengers and drivers of private motor vehicles have recorded the highest number of fatalities to date.A breakdown of the fatality figures reveal that 38 were pedestrians, seven were pedal cyclists, 43 were motorcyclists, eight pillion passengers, two were passengers of public passenger vehicles, 14 were private motor vehicle passengers, five drivers of commercial vehicles, two passengers of commercial motor vehicles and 28 were drivers of private motor vehicles.Additionally, the RSU is reiterating the call for motorists to wear their seatbelts, (both drivers and passengers); helmets for motorcyclists and pillion passengers, as well as pedestrians to use the road with caution. Pedestrians are encouraged to use pedestrian crossings or other safe places, walk facing the oncoming traffic and to always wear bright and light colour clothing when it is dark.