Child road deaths on the increase

The number of children killed in road crashes is projected to increase by 35 per cent this year, according to the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Works.

Figures from the unit indicate that 14 children have been killed in road crashes since the start of the year when compared with nine children during the corresponding period in 2010. Most of the children were pedestrians between the ages of 10 and 14 years old.

Director of the unit, Kenute Hare, told The Gleaner yesterday that it is a cause for concern.

something must be done

"It tells us that we have to do something about it because this projected increase in child fatality must be dealt with critically and must be taken seriously, so (the) relevant intervention method has been put in place," he argued.

Hare said the ministry has intensified child-safety education in schools, particularly in Manchester and Clarendon where most of the incidents have occurred.

He said stricter enforcement measures might also be implemented by the end of the year.

"We hope that by the end of the year, we will be able to have a modernised Road Traffic Act that is going to designate certain areas as school zones," he added. "Hence motorists are going to be required to cut their speed dramatically in these areas during particular time frames and there will be serious consequences for persons who do not adhere."

aid Hare: "The whole environment, education and enforcement issue is what we are looking at to ensure our children are safe."

A Jamaica Driver and Traffic Safety Expo will be held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on June 18. Among the areas to be focused on are pedestrian safety and defensive driving.