Jamaicans urged to respect the road

Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr Gary McKenzie, says the police force is serious about tackling unsafe driving behaviour, which is responsible for more than 70 per cent of road crashes.

Some 170 persons have been killed in crashes as of June 9, 2025. Motorcyclists (27 per cent), pedestrians (22 per cent) and private motor vehicle drivers (21 per cent) account for the majority of the road deaths. McKenzie said that "it is sad to note that most of these crashes are as a result of carelessness; dangerous driving".

"Our intention is to do our best to reduce the kind of misbehaviours that lead to crashes on our roads," he said.

He was addressing the launch of Road Safety Month at Chambers Texaco Service Station in Kingston. Organised by the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association under the theme 'Obey the Code, Respect the Road', Road Safety Month aims to raise awareness and promote safe road practices among all road users.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Daryl Vaz, speaking at the launch, called on Jamaicans to prioritise road safety and create a more responsible road culture. He appealed for all road users to observe the rules of the road, to save lives.

"Let us remember simple lifesaving principles - obey the speed limit. Speeding is the leading cause of crashes. It reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Never drink and drive. Alcohol impairs judgement and coordination, and even one drink can be deadly," he said.

At the same time, Vaz called on Jamaicans to "make road safety our personal and collective priority, not just for 30 days but for every day, for every road, and for every life".

"Let us set the example, because behind every fatality is a name, a face and a future that should have been continued. Let us drive for them, walk for them, and live for them," he added.