With 42 people dead in road crashes in July 2022, Floyd Green, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), is pleading with all Jamaicans to drive safely on the nation’s roads this holiday weekend.

Green was tasked by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), to work with the council to strengthen the road safety culture on the island.

“Speeding is one of the top reasons why our people are dying on the roads. I am pleading with our motorists as well as other road users to observe the speed limits, wear your seatbelts and do not drive intoxicated,” stated Green.

He continued that, “Many persons will be traversing the island’s roads to join in the celebrations for Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence. The best way to do this is to get to and from your destinations with care, to ensure you have the safest weekend ever.”

Green made a special call to motorcycle riders who accounted for the most fatalities on the roads last year.

“Maneuvering through the traffic slyly and the thrill you may think you get from speeding is momentary. It is not worth your life. So, please do not take your safety and that of other motorists and pedestrians for granted, and remember to wear your helmets!” Green beseeched.

Recently, Green attended a ceremony in the United Kingston to mark the start of a collaborative project between the Government of Jamaica and the UK-based FIA Foundation. The project will last for three years at the cost of €750,000, aiming to understand and address the barriers to effective helmet wearing across Jamaica.

The National Road Safety Council continues its training and education campaign islandwide to reduce the number of injuries and deaths on our roads.