AUTOMOTIVE club, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), is taking road safety to the Dover raceway for the Heritage weekend racemeet.

The JAA, which has been a strong advocate for road safety since its establishment in 1924, is encouraging motor racing enthusiasts attending this weekend’s rally to “Buckle-up” and “reduce speed on the road”.

“Jamaicans love to speed, but we want people to save the speeding for the raceway and to travel safely on the roads. Speeding is only cool on the track,” said JAA general manager Duane Ellis.

“We want everyone to use the necessary safety devices, such as their seatbelts, when driving their motor vehicles; and their helmets when riding cycles.”

The road safety messages are a continuation of the ‘Make it Click: Lives Depend on it’ campaign launched last year with funding from the FIA Foundation, the Jamaica National Building Society Foundation, and the CHASE Fund.

“We will be located in a visible spot at Dover where patrons can come and learn important facts about seatbelt usage and other road safety tips. And we will also be moving around the venue to educate people,” said Ellis.

Ellis noted that although many motorists are now wearing seatbelts when driving, most passengers are still not complying with the law.

A count of the use of protective devices in a section of the Corporate Area by the Transport Ministry’s Road Safety Unit (RSU) showed that 81 per cent of drivers wore seatbelts; however, approximately 44 per cent of front seat passengers and 99 per cent passengers in the backseat did not.

Similarly, 71 per cent of motorcyclists wore the proper protective helmets, while 53 per cent of pillion passengers did not wear helmets. The RSU data also showed that 10 per cent of those who actually wore helmets wore sub-standard gear.

“It is important for drivers to look out for their passengers, to encourage them to strap up; and likewise, motorcyclists should ensure that pillion passengers are wearing the proper helmets,” Ellis emphasised. “Too many people are killed on the roads because they speed and also don’t use the proper safety devices.”

In addition to safety tips, patrons can also learn more about JAA products, and how they can access discounts of close to 40 per cent on membership packages.

“Our products and services are all geared to promote good motoring habits and protecting our members,” Ellis emphasised, pointing to the company’s roadside assistance programme. “We have trained and reliable technicians who are located across the island, who can provide assistance at any time of the day, wherever you are,” he said.

“We also offer valet and document renewal services. Our technicians will take your vehicle to the location you desire, or take your fitness documents and have them renewed at the tax office. The aim is to offer our clients services that are convenient.”