Under the auspices of Grennell’s Driving School and with the endorsement of the Road Safety Unit (Ministry of Transport, Works & Housing) and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), the Road Safety 5K was launched at the Offices of the Ministry of Transport, Works & Housing on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

The event which has as its theme, ‘Run, Walk or Roll For The Cause’ will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Percy Junor Hospital and the Jamaica Fire Brigade. Registration for the event will be: Adults – $500.00; Tertiary Students – $300.00 and Children 12 and under – $200.00.

Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Mrs. Paula Fletcher lauded Mr. Grennell for the ‘commitment he has placed in the whole business of road safety’. She highlighted the fact that ‘Road Safety is a product’ and it needs to be marketed as such. She said that the Road Safety matter was one that demanded a collaborative approach by many stakeholders, noting the important role player such as the police play. In speaking to the various initiatives being pursued to improve the road safety environment, the NRSC head listed them as: (1) overhaul of the Road Traffic Act (2) modernization of the ITA (3) Review of the Spirit License Act (4) a proposal to establish a Road Safety Institute.

And for his part, Manager of Grennell’s Driving school, Mr Alphonso Grennell says that there are very few families that have not been touched by a motor vehicle accident. He said that many accidents occurred because people don’t practice defensive driving. Pointing to the many persons who have been affected by road crashes, he said, “The voice of the victim is the most powerful, let us listen to it”.

Also speaking at the launch was patron of the event, Mr. Milton Samuda who said that being associated with the 5K and anything road safety was ‘an easy sell for him’.