In March, 34 individuals were killed in 30 fatal accidents in Jamaica, reflecting an 11 percent decrease in fatalities from the previous year. Motorcyclists accounted for 35 percent of deaths, while private vehicle drivers saw a significant increase in fatalities. St Catherine was the most dangerous parish, whereas Trelawny, St Ann, and Portland had no reported deaths.
The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) reported that there were 34 fatalities resulting from 30 traffic accidents in March. This marks an 11 percent decrease in fatalities compared to March 2024, with a three percent reduction in the number of fatal crashes during the same period.
Among the fatalities, motorcyclists were significantly impacted, with 12 deaths, constituting 35 percent of total fatalities; this remains consistent with last year’s statistics. Additionally, private motor vehicle drivers were implicated in 10 fatalities, representing a 29 percent share of the deaths, which is a 150 percent increase from March 2024 and six more deaths overall.
Six passengers in private vehicles also lost their lives, accounting for 18 percent of the fatalities. Other tragic losses included four pedestrians and two pillion passengers who were killed in traffic incidents throughout the month.
Geographically, St Catherine was deemed the most hazardous parish with eight road fatalities, followed by Westmoreland, which recorded six fatalities. St Mary, Hanover, and St James each reported four fatalities. The safest parishes were Trelawny, St Ann, and Portland, where no fatalities were recorded.
In summary, March experienced a notable decline in traffic fatalities compared to the previous year, with specific demographics such as motorcyclists and private vehicle drivers showing alarming trends. St Catherine was identified as the risk-prone parish, while Trelawny, St Ann, and Portland emerged as the safest areas. Continued awareness and safety measures are necessary to further decrease road fatalities in Jamaica.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
