Capacity building for JCF to bolster helmet enforcement

Jamaica is set to take a major step in the coming days towards enforcement of helmet wearing. In a multi-agency initiative, led by the JN Foundation, a capacity-building training activity is to be undertaken, aimed at empowering the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to improve enforcement strategy for motorcycle helmet safety.

Jamaica’s Road Traffic Act requires all motorcyclists and pillion riders to wear a correctl-size protective helmet with the chinstrap always fastened, as outlined in the Fifth Schedule of the regulations. The legislation further mandates that helmets must meet approved safety standards, and that every motorcycle sold must be accompanied by a compliant helmet. Offences created by the legislation are specific only to the manufacturers and importers.

The training is being conducted under the auspices of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) for members of the Public Safety & Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) of the JCF.

The coalition, whose initiatives are managed by the JN Foundation, is an amalgam of various local and overseas road safety interests, including the National Road Safety Council, the FIA Foundation and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP).

The training programme forms part of a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2025 between the JCF, GRSP and partner agencies, paving the way for a structured capacity-building effort targeting the enforcement of motorcycle helmet laws. During that visit, Dave Cliff, chief executive officer of GRSP, and his team assessed the JCF’s current approach to helmet enforcement and produced a detailed report and training plan to guide the rollout.

The first phase of training will run from March 25 to 27, targeting 25 potential trainers within the JCF. The programme incorporates classroom instruction and practical outdoor components and will unfold across several phases. The training is expected to be integrated into the JCF’s institutional training framework.

CRITICAL INVESTMENT

Representatives from all partner agencies underscored the national importance of the initiative, noting its potential to significantly impact public safety outcomes. Motorcycle injuries and related deaths account for a significant portion of road trauma in Jamaica. The Island Traffic Authority reports that there were 111 motorcycle fatalities last year, and so far, this year 11 have been recorded.

Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, which leads implementation of the NHWC, says the partnership represents a critical investment in Jamaica’s safety and supporting enforcement.

“Strengthening enforcement capacity is essential if we are to reduce preventable motorcycle injuries and fatalities. We believe this investment in the JCF will make it possible,” she said.

Underscoring the significance of the programme’s launch, Cliff noted that the JCF has shown strong commitment to enhancing road safety enforcement.

“Our assessment made clear that targeted [and] sustained capacity building can make a measurable difference, and we are pleased to work alongside Jamaican partners to deliver international best-practice training,” he said.

The JCF has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the impact it will have on frontline policing.

“This training will strengthen our officers’ ability to enforce helmet wearing laws and identify stipulated standards of helmets in Jamaica consistently and effectively. Motorcycle crashes remain a major contributor to road trauma in Jamaica, and this collaboration helps ensure we are better equipped to protect lives,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Lloyd Darby of PSTEB.

The partners outlined that a robust public communication campaign will accompany the training rollout to maximise visibility and reinforce national education on motorcycle safety.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that helmet wearing reduces the risk of death by 42 per cent and serious head injury by 69 per cent. Yet, research conducted by Market Research Services Limited in 2023 shows that 40 per cent of motorcycle drivers in Jamaica do not wear helmets while riding and 31 per cent of pillion passengers never wear helmets.