Road deaths up by 8%

The Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport has reporting an eight per cent increase in road fatalities up to July 3, when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Statistics from the unit reveal that 178 persons have died in 165 motor vehicle crashes so far this year, with motorcyclists, pedestrians, private motor car drivers, and passengers of private motor car accounting for 84% of fatalities.

The corresponding period in 2014 records 165 fatalities from 155 fatal crashes.

According to the unit, the increase is of particular concern, as the numbers further reveal that of the number of persons who have died, 151 were males and 27 were females. The parishes of Westmoreland (15%) and St Andrew (17%) have recorded the most fatalities so far this year.

Expressing concern over the deaths of pedestrians and motorcyclists, director of the Road Safety Unit, Kenute Hare, is encouraging the public to be more conscious as they commute in the traffic environment daily.

"We all need to share the roads together, be courteous and watch out for the vulnerable road users. It's really easy to say, but often difficult to do, especially when people are in a rush, as more motorcyclists and pedestrians are being killed needlessly," said Hare.

178 road deaths by major categories

Motorcyclists 53

Pedestrians 41

Passengers in private motor vehicles 31

Drivers of private motor vehicles 24