Cop dies in crash

Susan Callum, Gleaner Intern

Despite the best efforts of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the police, the death toll continues rise.

Last Wednesday, Detective Constable Marlon Brown of the Kingston Central Division became the fourth lawman killed since the start of the year on our roads. And, according to the Road Safety Unit, the country's total road fatalities now stands at 223.

Police reports state, Brown, 28, was killed when a Toyota Corolla travelling along Ken Hill Drive towards Washington Boulevard slammed into his motorcycle. He was heading in the opposite direction.

Brown, who joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force in 2002, was a member of the Street Crime Unit was described as a hard worker. His supervisor, Deputy Superintendent Michael Hugh Phipps said his division will grieve his death for a long time as the force has lost not only a valuable officer but also a beloved person.

Great sadness

"It is a time of great sadness because he was so young and had so much more to do with his life," Phipps told Automotives. "He was popular among everybody. He was a jovial person who got along great with everyone. He always tried to make everyone laugh."

Police Traffic Division's Sergeant Beverley Hill-Wright said traffic accidents are unfortunate, especially when they hit close to home. She, however, stressed much can be done to prevent them and urged road users to be responsible.

Executive director of the NRSC, Paula Fletcher also had a message for road users.

"I really just caution all road users to be very careful. Pedestrians should be very vigilant and obey the rules of the road. Drivers are being cautioned to stay in their lanes, not to carelessly overtake and to avoid speeding. They should protect themselves and everyone else on the road," said Fletcher.

"Motorcyclists are what we consider vulnerable road agents. Motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable because they are more exposed to the severity of the impact during an accident, so motorists need to be on the lookout especially for these vulnerable persons," she added.

Last year, six police officers lost their lives in traffic accidents and the total number of fatalities were 347.