KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the transport ministry is reiterating its call for motorists to desist from speeding on the roads as fatalities continue to mount.

The RSU has revealed that 155 people have died in crashes since the start of the year. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, passengers and drivers of private motor vehicles have recorded the highest number of fatalities to date.

A breakdown of the fatality figures show that: 38 were pedestrians, seven were pedal cyclists, 46 were motorcyclists, eight pillions, three were passengers of public passenger vehicles, 17 were private motor vehicle passengers, five drivers of commercial vehicles, two passengers of commercial motor vehicles and 29 were drivers of private motor vehicles.

“It is against that background that the Unit is pleading with motorists to keep left while driving; not to overtake around corners and to drive within the posted speed limits,” an RSU statement said.

It also renewed the call for motorists to wear seatbelts, (both drivers and passengers); helmets for motorcyclists and pillion passengers, and 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 coloured clothing when it is dark.