65 people killed in road crashes so far

Jamaica is almost averaging one road death a day this year, though fatalities have declined.

Sixty-five people died in 60 fatal crashes over the first 66 days of the year, according to the latest data from the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

This year, road deaths are down 18 per cent while the number of deadly collisions are down 14 per cent when compared with the corresponding period last year.

The ITA data shows that pedestrians accounted for 17 or 26 per cent of road deaths this year, followed closely by motorcyclists who accounted for 16 deaths or 25 per cent.

It showed, too, that excessive speeding was the leading cause of crashes so far this year with 21.

Eleven crashes were caused by pedestrians walking or standing in the road; 10 were caused by failing to keep to the near side or to the proper traffic lane.

Jamaica recorded 365 road fatalities last year, the lowest in seven years.

- Livern Barrett

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