Arrive Alive, a great message for all road users

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In 2012, the Road Safety programme combined three elements to implement an effective campaign aimed at educating and motivating the public to take personal responsibility for their safety on the nation’s roadways. The three elements were: crash hot spot signs, the online fatal crash map and the “Arrive Alive” campaign. The Arrive Alive campaign was particularly catchy and is still a great message for all road users.

Since the start of 2025, 92 people have been killed in 83 fatal crashes. The Island Traffic Authority reports that fatalities have decreased by 17 per cent when compared to the prior year, while fatal crashes are down by 12 per cent as of March 28, 2025. We still need to “arrive alive”, therefore I am imploring all road users to use the road correctly, observe all road signage and signals, as well as reduce their speed. Far too many of our citizens are dying as a result of incidences involving reckless driving and improper road usage.

The Jamaican authorities are supported by the PAHO and WHO in efforts to promote more responsible use of roadways, and improving access to post-crash care. The The Arrive Alive mandate needs to be promoted at the domestic, community and national levels.

KAREN MCFARLANE