NRSC Urges Motorists to Be Extra Careful During Summer Season

As members of the public prepare to participate in the various entertainment events slated to be held throughout the summer season, the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) is urging persons to observe safe use of the roads.

In the first quarter of 2023, 105 lives were lost to road crashes, with motorcyclists accounting for the highest, followed by pedestrians and private motor-vehicle drivers.

Speaking with JIS News, Programme Coordinator, NRSC, Victor Anderson, cautions partygoers to be responsible while participating in these activities.

“With the summer coming up, we know there are going to be a number of events, big events, social events where alcohol is going to be served and, certainly, for those big events we expect that the Police will be present outside those events. Gently inquire of people who drive out of those events, whether or not they have been drinking before they sit behind the wheel,” he says.

Ms. Anderson says the Police are being encouraged to do regular breathalyser checks on any driver caught speeding and every driver involved in a road crash.

“Remember what the law says; if you are in control of a vehicle and you have been drinking, it is an offence, and on the very first offence it is 14 points on your licence and you will have to go before the court,” he warns.

As of June 26, 2023, the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport’s Road Safety Unit Daily Crash Report indicates that 203 persons have been killed in 185 fatal crashes since the start of the year.

The parishes of St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and Westmoreland accounted for the highest number of fatalities, to date.

Pedestrians accounted for 24 per cent of road users killed since the start of the year; private motor-vehicle drivers accounted for 15 per cent, and private motor-vehicle passengers accounted for seven per cent of road users killed.

Motorcyclists accounted for 31 per cent of road users killed since the start of the year; commercial motor vehicle passengers accounted for four per cent; pedal cyclists, eight per cent; public passenger vehicle drivers, two per cent; pillion passengers, three per cent; while public passenger vehicle passengers accounted for five per cent of the fatalities.

Outlining the factors which contribute to road accidents, Mr. Anderson notes that speeding is the leading cause of road accidents and fatalities, and that reducing speed would make a significant difference in reducing road fatalities.

“Not only would lower speeds save drivers in fines for speeding offences but the experts tell us that a five per cent reduction in average speed would result in 20 per cent reduction in fatalities,” he says, urging motorists to observe the speed limits.

Under the Road Traffic Act, fines for excessive speeding outside of the established limit, range from $12,000 to $30,000.

Mr. Anderson recommends that road users observe several safety parameters when using the motorways.

These include abstaining from driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, including ganja.

“International experience is that 30 per cent of road crash fatalities and injuries involve alcohol. Under the Road Traffic Act, any person found to be driving under the influence of alcohol will be charged up to $50,000 and will have their driver’s licence suspended for a year,” he informs.

Mr. Anderson notes that it is also an offence to be seen smoking marijuana while driving, attempting to drive or while being in charge of a vehicle on the road. This attracts a fine of $10,000 and two points deducted from his or her driver’s licence.

He emphasises that responsible road use by all road users is a critical factor in reducing road fatalities and accidents and warns that using mobile phones and viewing a video device while operating a motor vehicle are now offences.

Members of the public are also being reminded to wear safety devices such as seat belts and helmets. Pedestrians are advised to wear bright/light-coloured or reflective clothing at night.
“I appeal to Jamaicans to adopt a mindset of safety first on our roads,” Mr. Anderson says.