Road fatalities have shown a decrease since January, dropping by 28 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

According to the Transport Ministry’s Road Safety Unit (RSU) there has been 41 reported fatalities up to Monday, compared to 57 as at February 15 last year. Males however continue to die at an alarming rate. Of the total number of fatalities so far, 78 per cent were males and 22 per cent females, the RSU said.

Pedestrians also continue to be the most frequently killed road users, accounting for 46 per cent of fatalities.

Against that background the RSU is urging pedestrians to be more vigilant on the roads and observe designated procedures for safe walking.

“We have realised a trend in the way pedestrians are operating on the roads,” commented Julian Thompson, RSU education and information officer. “Some pedestrians have been demonstrating some of the same bad habits of which so many motorists are guilty. Many pedestrians are even guilty of speeding as very often they are in such a hurry that they just walk out into the road, expecting the motorists to stop,” said Thompson.

Thompson argued that using a cellular phone while walking, especially in busy areas, could also prove to be extremely distracting and reduces the level of alertness and vigilance of pedestrians.

“The RSU is therefore advising all road users to refrain from indulging in these practices while on the roads in an effort to preserve life and property,” said Thompson.

The RSU is also reporting a corresponding decrease in the number of fatal crashes since the start of the year. There have 39 fatal crashes compared to 51 last year, a 24 per cent decline.