The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is urging citizens to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety on the roads after it was reported that 10 persons died in 24 hours due to road traffic accidents.

Inspector Shaunjaye Mitchell, the digital and social media manager for the JCF, shared the news yesterday via a post on Twitter where he stated that the deaths were unfortunate.

“Ten people killed in traffic crashes in the last 24 hours. Among the crashes are one triple fatality in St Mary and a quintuple in St Andrew last night involving motorcyclists, none of whom were wearing helmets. Very unfortunate,” said Inspector Mitchell.

Five men were killed after the motorcycles they were travelling on crashed on the Golden Spring main road in St Andrew on Sunday (February 26) . The men were later identified as 20-year-old Tajay Murray, 18-year-old Anthony Fuller, 20-year-old Raheem Campbell, 24-year-old Jamie Marriott and 17-year-old Romario Moodie.

Ten people killed in traffic crashes in the last 24 hours. Among the crashes are one triple fatal in St. Mary and a quintuple in St. Andrew last night involving motorcyclists, none of whom were wearing helmets.

Very unfortunate incidents. 😕

— Shaunjaye Mitchell (@shaunjaye) February 27, 2023

“The police continuously issue safety tips and appeal to road users to drive within the speed limit, exercise due care for other road users and especially for motorcyclists and their pillions to be equipped and to utilise protective gear. 

“It is quite unfortunate that five young men died in this manner”, said Gary McKenzie, assistant commissioner of police, Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch.

Reports from the JCF are that another incident took place on the same day involving a taxi and a bus in St Mary. The deceased were later identified as 29-year-old Sydney Condappa of Highgate, St Mary; Sadiche Chattersingh, and another man only identified as ‘Lammy’.

The JCF have since issued road safety tips that they are urging the public to follow. These include:

• Staying alert while driving, observing the behaviour of both yourself and those around you.
• Wear a seatbelt at all time.
• Slow down and prepare to stop at yellow lights, remembering that they are not a sign to step on the gas to rush through an intersection.
• Pay close attention and obey traffic signs and lights.
• Stay within the recommended speed limit at all times.
• Use turn signals before changing lanes.
• Never drive under the influence.
• Do not use a phone while operating a vehicle.