Road fatalities to pass 300 mark

Road fatalities for 2009 are projected to pass the 300 mark set by the transport ministry.



341 persons died on the roads last year.



Projections from the road safety unit in the ministry indicate that there could be 339 deaths as a result of motor vehicle crashes this year.



There have so far been 66 deaths as a result of 57 road related crashes.



Director of the Road Safety Unit, Kanute Hare is hoping that the projected figure will change.



He said the Island Traffic Authority and the Jamaica Constabulary Force would be intensifying their efforts to contain road fatalities.



He says excessive speeding, inappropriate overtaking and the improper use of the roadway by pedestrians continue to be a major cause for concern.