THE number of road fatalities for the period January 1 to March 1 has decreased when compared to the same period last year, with 51 people killed in 45 crashes.

Last year’s figures stood at 68 deaths from 51 crashes, according to data yesterday from the transport ministry’s Road Safety Unit (RSU).

The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) missed its under-300 target for 2009, posting 341 deaths. In 2008, 343 people were killed in vehicular accidents.

However, although showing an improvement, the continued carnage has repeatedly spurred the health ministry to comment on the pressure that traffic collisions are putting on the system.

Data from crashes typically focus on fatalities leaving figures on the injured largely undocumented.

Recently, Health Minister Ruddy Spencer called on the transport ministry to tighten control on improper road usage.

“If we had significantly less accidents all those bed space would be available for primary heath care,” he commented.