Number of 20-39 year-olds killed in crashes alarming - Road Safety Unit

Nearly 50 per cent of the persons killed on the nation's roadways this year are between 20 and 39 years old.

That is according to statistics released by the Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the transport ministry, which shows that 157 persons in this age range died in motor vehicle crashes since January 1. This number, however, represents a decline relative to the previous year.

A further breakdown of the data shows that 132 were males and 25 were females.

Since the start of the year, 367 persons have died in 310 fatal crashes islandwide.

The RSU says when compared with the corresponding period last year, fatal crashes are down 10 per cent while the number of fatalities are the same.

Vice chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Dr Lucien Jones, described as alarming the 157 persons between ages 20 and 39 who died in motor vehicle crashes this year.

Jones said this group not only constitutes the next generation, but account for a significant chunk of the nation's workforce.