Jamaica’s Transportation Minister says the country can become a “crash free” society, as the power lies in all road users to ensure safety on the roadways.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz made the statement as he delivered the keynote address at a defensive driving workshop in the Corporate Area on Wednesday.
“Let us advocate for responsible driving from both private and public motorists, that persons obey the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, embrace technology, and demand safer vehicles,” he said.
The event, held as part of Road Safety Awareness Month activities in June, was designed to train and equip drivers with the requisite knowledge and skills to avoid crashes.
Vaz also welcomed the staging of the Defensive Driving Workshop noting that it not only facilitated theoretical discussions but provided practical solutions to ensure safer and more responsible road use.
“It serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness and reaffirm the collective commitment to reduce crashes and save lives,” he noted.
He also reported that as at June 27, a total of 203 lives have been lost from 185 fatal collisions due largely to inappropriate use of the roadways.
Pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion riders account for 65 per cent of road users killed since the start of the year, he pointed out.
Vaz went on to urged the participants to use the information provided to bring about behaviour change and added that the onus is on all road users to ensure that no lives are lost due to traffic crashes.
