The Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Mining is warning motorists and motorcyclists to cut their speed while traversing major thoroughfares, particularly in St. Ann and St. James.

This as several areas of concerns have been identified as crash hotspots in both parishes.

Along the Llandovery main road in the parish of St. Ann, especially in the vicinity of Laughlands, as well as the Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay main roads have been identified as crash hotspots. Fatalities that have occurred on these roads accounted for thirty-eight percent (38 %) of fatalities in the parish. Other areas of concern include the Chalky Hill Main Road, DaCosta/Turtle River Main Road, Drax Hall, Grierfield Main Road in the vicinity of Moneague, Old Bethany Main Road in the vicinity of Brown’s Town and the Spring Gardens Bypass.

In the parish of St. James, the Greenwood and Rose Hall main roads have been identified as crash hotspots, accounting for 50% of road deaths within the parish since the start of the year. The Road Safety Unit further has growing concerns for the Bluehole, Dumfries, and Mount Salem Main Roads, as well as, 41 Main Road in Rose Heights.

Director of the Road Safety Unit, Deidrie Hudson-Sinclair, said the number of serious fatalities that occurred on these roadways is due to the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of motorists and motorcyclists.

“Persons are engaging in improper overtaking, swerving, failing to keep to their left, often times resulting in loss of control, which have led to the crashes and crash fatalities in those areas,” she noted.

She has renewed calls for motorists and passengers to wear seat belts in front and back seats, as well as motorcyclists and pillion passengers to wear the correct helmets and shoes.

“Motorists should cut their speed when driving through built up areas and residential areas and keep within the designated speed limit of 50 kmph; and if driving where there are schools, they should keep under 30 kmph,”she said.

Mrs. Hudson-Sinclair is further cautioning pedestrians who traverse these roadways to utilize the sidewalks, remain vigilant at all times, and walk facing the oncoming traffic whenever possible in order to spot dangerous situations.  When crossing the roads, pedestrians are advised to cross when the road is completely clear or to ensure that all vehicles come to a complete stop before proceeding. It is easier for the pedestrians to stop, than it is for motorists or motorcyclists, especially if they’re travelling at excessive speeds.

Data from the RSU shows that 487 persons perished in crashes as of December 31, 2021 with males accounting for 89% of that figure.

Road fatalities for 2022 have already surpassed the number of fatalities recorded for the corresponding period last year.