As persons prepare to participate in festivities to mark Jamaica’s 61st Independence, the head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gary McKenzie is urging motorists to drive within the stipulated speed limit and be responsible on the nation’s roadways.

Speaking with Our Today in an interview, McKenzie said that the country has recorded 213 collisions since the start of the year, resulting in 231 deaths.

This is a slight reduction compared to the corresponding period last year, when there were 253 collisions and 289 deaths.

“Whilst we have been able to save 58 lives, we still have over 200 persons who have died and if we follow this trend, we still will have over 400 persons dying, so it is very important that we continue to work together, all the stakeholders which include members of the public to ensure that we are safe going towards the end of the year, through this festive period and down towards the end of the year,” McKenzie said.

The senior police officer also noted that members from the PSTEB will be increasing their presence on major thoroughfares during the Independence celebration.

“We know that there is the Gala celebration, we know that there are also several parties and other entertainment events that will be occurring. The police will ensure that we are monitoring the streets, we are actually performing duties at some of these events and we will ensure that persons are able to traverse from one place to another without being involved in crashes,” he underscored.

The latest road crash occurred along Marcus Garvey Drive on Sunday, which claimed the lives of two individuals.

“We want to implore people to be responsible, and drive within the speed limit. Do not drive with excess alcohol. Do not drive with excess drugs because it is not only alcohol but certainly other hard drugs which really should not be taken especially while driving motor vehicles. We also want to encourage people to avoid being in places where it is really dark after certain hours and ensure they travel in groups. If they go to certain events, they should ensure they plan beforehand how they are going to go to the event and how they are going to get home after the event,”

McKenzie noted that the police will also be monitoring events to ensure public order.