Road deaths reach 410

The Road Safety Unit is appealing to motorists to reduce their speed on the nation’s roads as the Yuletide season approaches.

This appeal comes in light of the 410 being persons killed since January, and 15 persons dying in 16 days so far this month. This is the highest in any given year.

“We are appealing to drivers to cut their speed and look out for vulnerable road users, never overtake on a bend or at a junction or unnecessarily; never drive in a manner that will
prove offensive to other road users. In addition, always use their seat belts, ensure passengers in the vehicle utilise them as well as, and children are securely fastened in the
correct protective devices,” Kenute Hare, director of the Road Safety Unit, said.

Of the 410 deaths from 375 fatal crashes, motorcyclists, pedestrians, passenger in private motor vehicles, and drivers of private motor vehicles account for 83 per cent of road users
killed to date. Statistics from the Unit also highlight that males deaths continue to outnumber female deaths on the nation’s roads, of the 410, 356 were males and 54 were females.

"In order to have a peaceful Christmas season, road users must obey the rules of the road at all times. We cannot afford to lose anyone else in 2019, slow down and save lives. Remember to drive for the family," Hare said.