Letter of the Day | Jamaica’s roads now death traps

THE EDITOR Madam:

The ongoing mayhem on Jamaica’s roads is a crisis that shows the growing indiscipline in our society. The blatant disregard for law and order, lack of personal responsibility, and not enough regard and respect for human life, have manifested in reckless driving, irresponsible pedestrian behaviour, and a road fatality rate that, according to the Pan American Health Organization, remains among the highest in the region.

Since the start of 2025, road fatalities have surged again, with 22 deaths reported in January – 12 of whom were pedestrians.

Some of the roads have become death traps, and according to Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Lucien Jones, road fatalities now represent the second leading cause of violent deaths.

One of the easily ignored problems we face is inconsistent enforcement of the law. Many Jamaicans, when they travel overseas suddenly display strict adherence to road laws – not because they are better drivers abroad, but because they know the consequences of breaking the law are swift and unavoidable.

We cannot afford to have sporadic bursts of law enforcement, followed by long lulls where there is reduced police presence on the roads. Traffic enforcement must be intentional, and sustained.

Strengthening road law enforcement may also be an effective tool for crime-fighting. Many criminals use the roads to commit offences and evade capture. Consistent traffic policing, including greater surveillance, could assist in apprehending wanted individuals, while simultaneously curbing reckless driving.

The problem is multifaceted. Poorly maintained roads, reckless drivers, pedestrians who are not alert, insufficient lighting, and a severe lack of adequate sidewalks contribute to the chaos. Many pedestrians also fail to grasp the basics of the road code, which is why road safety education must be introduced at the earliest levels of schooling.

Despite the new Road Traffic Act that came into effect on February 1, 2023 with its increased fines and other stipulations, compliance remains low.

The National Road Safety Council must be commended for its continued efforts in raising awareness and pushing for stronger enforcement, but a zero-tolerance approach to traffic violations is urgently needed. Authorities must crack down on reckless driving, invest in pedestrian infrastructure, such as crossings, more traffic signs and make road safety education a mandatory part of the school curriculum.

Every road death is preventable, but only if we, as a society, commit to discipline, enforcement, and education.

REV DR ROY NOTICE