Be careful on the roads, warns Road Safety Unit

The Road Safety Unit (RSU) is warning road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads as traffic fatalities continue to mount. Friday's tragic accident in Portmore that claimed two lives once again drove home the need for motorists to slow down and be more alert.

In fact, the first two months of the year have heralded several dreadful accidents, although there has been a 20 per cent reduction in the corresponding period from last year, from 54 to 43 road fatalities. Pedestrians continue to account for the highest number of those killed - 23 for the January to February period last year, and 17 for the same timeframe this year.

main causes

The Road Safety Unit cites improper overtaking and excessive speeding as the major factors in road fatalities. Also high on the list are the use of mobile phones, disobeying road signs and signals, watching movies while driving and being under the influence of alcohol.

With weekends accounting for 35 per cent of fatal crashes and 37 per cent of deaths since the start of the year, the RSU is asking motorists to be especially careful during that period.

Pedestrians are also urged to play their part by wearing light-coloured clothes at nights, crossing at designated areas, not playing in the road, waiting until vehicles stop before attempting to cross, and to generally be alert.

Meanwhile, motorcyclists are implored to wear helmets and protective gear, ensure reflectors and headlamps are on the cycles, obey the traffic lights as well as the rules of the road. Pillion riders are also warned to wear protective gear.

In October 2008, the National Road Safety Council launched the 'Save 300 Lives' campaign, with the hope of reducing the high road fatality rate to below 300. For the past three years the target was not met, with 343 persons dying in road accidents in 2008 and 347 in 2009. The figure dropped to 310 last year.

Major causes of road fatalities

Excessive speeding

Faulty overtaking

Use of mobile phones while driving

Disobeying road signs and signals

Watching movies while driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol