GOVERNMENT’S Road Safety Unit (RSU) is appealing for caution on the roads in the wake of a confirmed 341 road traffic fatalities last year, a mere two below the 343 recorded in 2008.

“We are calling on all road users to play their part in keeping road fatalities below 300 this year,” RSU director Kenute Hare implored.

The RSU has reported that 14 people have been killed in 14 collisions since the beginning of this year.

“Given the statistics, the RSU is profoundly concerned about the fact that motorcyclists and pedal cyclists are still refusing to wear helmets whenever they operate these vehicles,” Hare commented.

According to RSU figures, 29 pedal cyclists and 49 motor cyclists were killed in collisions during 2009.

The RSU head said that the unit will be combining its efforts with all stakeholders in launching an assault on road traffic crashes, as it feels only such a move will yield the required result.

He added that the JCF Traffic division, led by Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, has committed to seriously dealing with persons who refuse to use appropriate protective devices while operating a motor vehicle.