ITA Encouraged by Reduction in Road Fatalities, Urges Continued Vigilance

Island Traffic Authority (ITA) is imploring Jamaicans to continue to exercise vigilance on the roadways even while welcoming statistics indicating a sharp decline in road fatalities for the first quarter of 2026.

Data for the period January 1 to March 31, 2026, indicates that fatalities have decreased by 33 per cent and fatal crashes are down 35 per cent when compared to the same period in 2025.

A total of 62 people were killed in 55 fatal crashes for first quarter 2026, compared to 94 lives lost in 85 fatal crashes for January to March 2025.

As of April 27, 2026, 84 lives were lost in 74 fatal crashes.

Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager at the ITA, Dontae Matthews, tells JIS News while the data is encouraging, the Authority continues to urge Jamaicans to exercise caution on the nation’s roads.

“When we look at the data, there is actually a reduction compared to last year, but we realise that persons are still losing their lives on our roads. It is a concern because every life lost (represents) someone who could have reached their full potential; somebody who had dreams and so we mourn those persons who are no longer with us,” he says.

Motorcyclists accounted for most fatalities for the review period with 17; pedestrians, 14; private vehicle passengers, 13; and private vehicle drivers, 13.

Six parishes recorded the highest number of fatal crashes, together accounting for 66 per cent. These are St Elizabeth,16.1 per cent; Trelawny and Westmoreland each with 12.9 per cent; and St. Ann, St. Catherine, and Manchester each with 8.1 per cent.

Mr. Matthews is appealing to operators of motorcycles to always wear a certified helmet that is compliant with the standards outlined in the Road Traffic Regulations, wear protective gear, gloves, long pants, hard boots and stay visible to other road users.

“Avoid riding in blind spots or weaving between vehicles and maintain a safe distance, be cautious at intersections and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” he cautions.

“For pedestrians, we are reminding them to use pedestrian crossing at the traffic light when it is on red and when the driver has come to a complete stop. Look both ways, even on one-way streets,” he advises.

Mr. Matthews is also reminding pedestrians to wear brightly coloured clothing at night, to utilise sidewalks where they are provided, or to walk on the right side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

He also discourages the practice of using phones while walking on busy thoroughfares noting that they provide a distraction.

For motorists, he is urging drivers to wear their seat belts and to encourage passengers to wear the safety device.

“In the 2018 Road Traffic Act, the driver gets a ticket for not wearing their seat belt, and the driver also gets a ticket for passengers who are not wearing their belts as well,” he points out.
Mr. Matthews also urged motorists to obey the speed limit.

“The speed limit is 30 kilometres in areas where there are schools and near hospitals, 50 kilometres for built-up areas, 80 kilometres on open roads, main roads and the North South highways. On the Eastern highway – the PJ Patterson Highway – the speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour. However, we are reminding learner drivers… that they should stick to 80,” he says.

He is encouraging persons to adjust speed limit for weather or road conditions.

“If it is the rainy season, you need to cut your speed. If there is roadwork going on, you need to cut your speed in construction zones, and also to watch traffic conditions or conditions in heavily trafficked area,” he adds.

Mr. Matthews is also appealing to drivers to avoid distractions while operating motor vehicles.

“No calling, texting or using devices while driving. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are going out and intend to drink, have a designated driver. Also, keep a safe following distance. Something that we usually recommend is the two to three second rule; do not tailgate. Ensure there is enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead,” he notes.

Noting the importance of using indicators, he is urging motorists to signal early, not only when they intend to turn, but also when pulling off the road, switching lanes, and merging.

He implores drivers to also watch out for vulnerable road users, pedestrians and cyclists/motorcyclists.

Mr. Matthews advises motorists and motorcyclists to regularly check their vehicles to ensure they are in good working order.

“Maintain vehicles, check brakes, tyres, lights, fluid levels, mirrors, windshield wiper blades and your steering before you go on a journey,” he says.

Other road safety tips include giving right of way where possible; yielding at pedestrian crossings and intersections; and checking mirrors and blind spots before moving off, when merging and overtaking.

Persons should also enter and exit vehicles on the kerb side, dim headlights at night for oncoming traffic, avoid overloading vehicles and use proper car seats or boosters where necessary.