With motorcyclists accounting for the highest number of road fatalities across the island, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang is urging motorcyclists to wear helmets to minimise serious injuries and death from crashes.

A total of 95 Jamaicans have been killed on the nation’s roadways up to Tuesday, March 26, according to the latest road fatality report. Motorcyclists, pedestrians and private motor vehicle drivers accounted for the highest number of road fatalities, to date.

Chang said the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has indicated that for crashes involving motorcycles, 80 per cent of the riders were without helmets and usually sustained fatal or severe head injuries.

“The country cannot lose its many potential talents by virtue of road crashes,” Chang said.

He was speaking at the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) on Thursday, March 21, at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston.

A collaboration between the Jamaica National Foundation (JNF) and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), with funding from the FIA Foundation, the initiative aims to heighten awareness of motorcycle safety.

It will promote correct helmet usage among motorcycle drivers through advocacy and engagement programmes.

Chang, in welcoming the coalition, said it will assist in tackling the rising incidence of fatalities and injuries among motorcycle drivers in Jamaica.

Data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicate that motorcycle collisions accounted for 32 per cent of total road fatalities in 2023.

Chang noted that the project will not only encourage the use of protective devices to save lives but to help build a system for safe and affordable helmets.

He said that the Vision 2030 Plan underscores the critical need to implement a strategy aimed at enhancing road safety, minimising fatalities and injuries resulting from road traffic accidents, and fulfilling sustainable transportation requirements.

“The strain on law enforcement from road incidents, especially those with motorcycles, is undeniable. To address this, the Government has invested in the new Electronic Ticketing Management System, aimed at enforcing road safety laws more effectively. This system is expected to prompt behavioural change among motorists by holding them more accountable for their actions and facing the consequences,” said
Chang.

The minister commended the National Road Safety Council, the JN Foundation Project Steering Committee, and the FIA Foundation for their tremendous contribution to the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project.