STEPHEN Noble, 38, of Santa Cruz in St Elizabeth, became the 105th fatality in as many days on the island’s roadways.

According to report, Noble — who was operating a motorcycle — lost control of the unit and crashed, on Wednesday. He was not wearing a helmet and became the 28th person to die in this category.

Kenute Hare, director of the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, believes Noble’s death could have been prevented if he had on proper safety gear.

“We have to give ourselves a fighting chance… wear your helmets, wear protective gear, wear your seatbelts,” he told Auto.

Hare said “indisciple” among motorcycle riders is quite rampant islandwide. He, however, listed the parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St James as accounting for most of the island’s motorcycle fatalities.

“Motorcyclists, ordinarily, do not obey the law… they do their own thing. But there are severe consequences to their actions. Many are fathers and brothers… it is unfair to your kids and family… just wear your helmets. Keep your headlights on in the days as well,” appealed Hare.

The director said the policing should begin in the homes.

“If you see your loved ones with a motorcycle and no helmet, you should say something… even try and stop them from going on the road,” he said.

“Jamaicans need to wake up!”

Established in 1994, the Road Safety Unit aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities.

— Brian Bonitto