Road deaths hit 200

Despite a 10 per cent decline in fatal crashes and a two per cent drop in fatalities so far this year, the number of persons killed on the Jamaican roads has hit the 200 mark.

This in the first 194 days of the year from 177 fatal crashes, compared to the similar period last year when 205 persons were killed.

According to Vando Palmer, director of public relations and communications in the Ministry of Transport and Mining, 86 per cent of the fatalities are men between the age of 20 to 29 years.

Palmer said that while the current figures are encouraging in contrast to what obtained last year, and even in May of this year when the fatality rate was "rollicking out of control", the number of lives being lost on the roads was still too high.

He said the statistics indicate that any intervention outside of rigorous enforcement must focus on young males 20 to 29 years old.

This age cohort is the most vulnerable road user. They fail to overtake properly, speed recklessly, and display poor judgement in manoeuvring and controlling their vehicles.

According to Palmer, the Island Traffic Authority will be turning the spotlight on the licensing procedure to ensure that those who are given the privilege to be granted a driver's licence are fit and proper persons to do so.