Mayhem continues on nation’s roads

Thirty-seven-year-old Andre Gardner of Casa Maria, Port Maria, St Mary, died from injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle collision along the Llandovery main road, St Ann, on September 27.

Reports from the St Ann's Bay police are that at 10:30 a.m., Gardner was travelling as a passenger aboard a red Honda Civic motor car towards Ocho Rios. On reaching a section of the roadway, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which ran off into bushes and then overturned. Both Gardener and the driver were flung from the vehicle and sustained multiple injuries. The police were summoned, and on their arrival, the men were taken to hospital, where the driver was treated and released and Gardner admitted. He succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Investigations continue.

As of October 1, 296 lives have been lost in road crashes across Jamaica, stemming from 260 fatal collisions, according to the Island Traffic Authority.

Fatalities increased by six per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year while fatal crashes increased by eight per cent during the same time period. Motorcyclists account for 84 (or 28 per cent) of fatalities since the start of the year. Private motor vehicle drivers make up the second biggest number with 57 (or 19 per cent) of fatalities, with pedestrians accounting for 55, or 19 per cent. Males account for 85 per cent while females account for 15 per cent of fatalities since the start of the year. St Catherine has the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 15 per cent of fatalities since the start of the year.

Director General of Road Traffic at the ITA, Colonel Daniel Pryce, is urging all Jamaicans to make road safety a top priority.

"Every journey on Jamaica's roads should begin and end safely. Whether you are driving, riding a bicycle, or walking, your actions matter. Drive with care, ride with caution, and walk with awareness. When we choose safety each day, we choose life," he emphasised.