Some 48 Jamaicans have lost their lives in 41 incidents on the nation’s roadways involving fatal motor vehicle collisions up to Tuesday, February 20.

According to the latest crash report from the Road Safety Unit in the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), fatalities have decreased by two per cent while fatal crashes have decreased by 13 per cent when compared with a similar period in 2023.

Motorcyclists, pedestrians and private motor vehicle drivers accounted for the highest number of road users killed since the start of the year.

The parishes of Westmoreland, St. Catherine, and St. Andrew consistently ranked the highest for sheer number of fatalities.

The ITA is calling on all road users to have a change of behaviour when traversing the roadways.

“The intention of all road user is to get to their destination safely, and back home. Road users must ensure they cut out distractions, cut out all unnecessary actions that could lead to a crash or a fatality and think about their loved ones whom they want to go home to. It is also very important that they learn the road code and abide by it. The Island Traffic Authority is also reminding road users to wear protective gears or clothing at all times and increase their vigilance at night and during adverse weather conditions,” the ITA said.

In 2023, Jamaica recorded 425 road fatalities, resulting from 384 fatal collisions.