KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has reported a grim week for road safety as seven individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes during the week ending on Friday, September 13, 2024. Among the deceased are three females, shedding light on the critical need for improved road safety measures.
One of the victims was Shahine Nelson, a firefighter who tragically died last Friday. Nelson was driving a Honda Fit motorcar when she collided with an International motor truck at the intersection of Brunswick Avenue and the Angels Toll Plaza near the Spanish Town bypass in St Catherine. This incident underscores the dangers faced by even the most vigilant motorists.
Additionally, two other females, both passengers in public passenger vehicles (PPVs), were among those who perished in traffic collisions throughout the week. The fatalities also included a PPV driver, a commercial motor vehicle driver, and a private motorcar driver. These deaths highlight the diverse nature of road users affected and the broad impact of vehicular accidents across different categories.
Further intensifying the week’s tragic road toll, the ITA reported that a fatal crash occurred on Saturday morning, which claimed the lives of Tivoli Gardens FC footballer Delano Daley, his sister, and cousin. This accident took place at the intersection of Eastwood Park Road and Burlington Avenue in St Andrew, pushing the total fatalities to 261 as of September 13, 2024.
The latest statistics presented by the ITA reveal that 258 people were killed in 223 fatal crashes by the week’s end. These figures represent a significant decrease, with road fatalities down by 12 percent and fatal crashes down by 18 percent when compared to the same period in 2023. Despite the reduction, the loss of lives continues to be a pressing concern for the nation.
The demographic breakdown of road fatalities indicates a stark gender disparity, with males accounting for 85 percent of the deaths and females representing 15 percent as of September 13, 2024. This statistic underscores the need for targeted interventions to address high-risk groups.
The ITA’s report serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing road safety challenges facing Jamaica. The authorities are urged to continue enhancing road safety measures and promoting safe driving practices to prevent further loss of life on the nation’s roads.
