Colonel Daniel Pryce, director-general of road traffic at the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), is renewing a call on Jamaicans to take collective responsibility for safer road use.

His appeal follows the authority’s latest report, which shows that 41 persons have lost their lives in 35 fatal collisions across Jamaica since the start of the year, with males accounting for 76 per cent of those killed, while females account for 24 per cent.

As at February 27, fatalities have decreased by 31 per cent when compared with the corresponding period in 2025, while fatal crashes have declined by 35 per cent.

While the figures reflect a reduction over last year, Pryce said they are still too high.

“Every statistic represents a family in mourning. We must treat road safety as a shared duty – drivers, riders, and pedestrians alike. By slowing down, staying alert, and respecting the rules of the road, we can save lives and spare communities from unnecessary grief,” Col. Pryce told JIS News.

Private motor vehicle passengers account for the highest proportion of road users killed, with 12 fatalities, representing 29 per cent of the total.

Private motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists each account for eight fatalities, or 20 per cent. Pedestrians also account for eight fatalities (20 per cent), while pedal cyclists account for four (10 per cent).

One commercial motor vehicle passenger died in a fatal accident, accounting for two per cent of the fatalities recorded since January.

There have been no reported fatalities among pillion passengers, public passenger vehicle drivers and passengers, commercial motor vehicle drivers, or government motor vehicle drivers and passengers.

Col. Pryce is also urging passengers to play their part by encouraging safe driving practices, speaking up against speeding and reckless behaviour, and choosing not to travel with drivers who disregard the rules of the road.