Kingston, Jamaica: April 3,
2014
Following the dramatic spike in road fatalities in March where there was
a 30% increase when compared with February, and a total of 35 persons killed,
the Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, in consultation with the National
Road Safety Council (NRSC), convened a meeting on Thursday April 3, to discuss
strategies to urgently reduce the rising carnage on the nation's roads.
Attendees included Senior Superintendent in charge of the Traffic Division, Andrew
Lewis; Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, Gary McKenzie; Head of the Transport
Authority, Donald Foster; Head of the Island Traffic Authority Ludlow Powell;
Co-ordinator of the NRSC's Below 240 Project, Victor Anderson, and other
officials from the National Security Ministry.
During the meeting it was also revealed that, between January one and
April three, 80 persons were killed on the nation’s roads. Additionally, among
the fatalities were four children. Pedestrians continue to figure prominently
in the data with a total of 26 killed during the period, representing 34 % of
the total number of road crash fatalities since the start of the year. The
figure also represents six more pedestrians killed compared with the similar
period for last year.
St. Catherine North accounted for most fatalities with 10 deaths,
followed by Westmoreland which accounted for eight. Manchester,
St Andrew South and St. Ann
each accounted for five fatalities, while Clarendon recorded seven fatalities
and St Andrew Central six. The NRSC has also provided a breakdown of the age
group of persons killed in road crashes for the first quarter of 2014, which
was 20 to 24, followed by the 40 to 44 age group. In 2013 the age group 25 to
29 accounted for most of the road crash fatalities.
During the period, speeding was again highlighted as the main cause of 22
road crash fatalities. This was followed by pedestrian error which accounted
for 14 cases. Drivers who failed to keep left accounted 11 while drivers who
followed too closely; inattention of drivers; drivers overtaking improperly and
swerving, each accounted for three fatal crashes.
Those attending the meeting, having looked at the data and having
observed that most of the crashes were not occurring in bad spots (more than
two crashes in one area), then decided that the following strategies would be
employed to drive down road deaths in the short and medium term:
A major strategy involves the Island Traffic Authority and the Transport
Authority, as well as other relevant agencies putting in place measures to
ensure that drivers with multiple outstanding traffic tickets are not re-issued
licences.
Measures will also be explored to provide additional resources for the
Police Traffic Department to effectively carry out their traffic management
duties, and discussions in this regard will continue with the National Security
Ministry.
In addition, the National Works Agency will be asked to repair and
repaint pedestrian crossings, lights and signage across the island.
Expressing alarm at the spike in the figures, Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice
Chairman and Convenor of the NRSC said, “We are intensifying our efforts along
with our various partner agencies to ensure road fatalities are kept under 240
this year. Already there are discussions taking place and measures to step up
the public education campaign for pedestrians are already in train. The current situation cannot be allowed to continue.”
Contact:
Ceila Morgan, PROComm 550-9330 or 926-6740
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