KINGSTON, Jamaica – Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Carol Palmer, is calling on pedestrians to be more vigilant and responsible when using the nation’s roads.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the ministry’s Trafalgar Road office in Kingston on Wednesday, Palmer expressed deep concern about the high number of pedestrian fatalities caused by road accidents annually.

“We have lost more than 12 pedestrians (since January), due to road traffic accidents in our country. And that is unacceptable. If we lose one citizen, whether walking on the road, running across the road, or just not paying attention, or even if you are in a vehicle, it is one person too many for our country,” she said.

Pedestrians are being encouraged to be more mindful and present in their actions to prevent tragedies.

“We have to take responsibility for ourselves, so, pedestrians, be careful on the road, look out before you step out,” Palmer urged.

At the same time, she is appealing to drivers to be more attentive and patient with pedestrians.

“We need to just stop and think about what we are doing, just as a motorist runs a red light sometimes and does not realise it, some pedestrians step out in the road totally oblivious of what is going on around them,” the permanent secretary said.

To reduce pedestrian fatalities, the ministry has launched a national campaign to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and responsible road use.

The initiative seeks to provide guidance on proper road usage and encourages pedestrians to use crosswalks, follow traffic signals, and remain alert at all times. Also, it reinforces the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users.
– JIS