THE National Road Safety Council (NRSC) is deeply concerned about the distrubing practice of people protruding from moving vehicles during political motorcades. The council said the move could result in serious injury or death.

Paula Fletcher, NRSC executive director, said she is pleading with Donna Parchment-Brown, the political ombudsman, the Electoral Commission, Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections; and party leaders to ensure that those persons in motorcades drive within the speed limit, do not engage in body protrusion, and obey the laws outlined in the Road Traffic Act.

“We’re asking leaders of both parties to endeavour to speak to their party base and supporters about safety on our roads, especially when travelling long distances to political meetings,” Fletcher said.

“During the campaigning season, it is hard on the police to monitor traffic violators, given that their main focus will be on helping to facilitate a peaceful campaign and maintaining peace among different party supporters. We want every Jamaican to act responsibly during this time, as no one has to lose their life on our roads,” she said.

As at Feburary 10, 46 people have lost their lives on the road.

Dr Lucien Jones, NRSC vice-chairman and convenor, said all road users, including those on the campaign trail, should exercise greater caution on our roads.

“Unfortunately, many political supporters consistently disobey the rules of the road as they relate to body protrusion from moving vehicles. As widely publicised in the televised, online and print media, we have seen videos and images of Jamaicans hanging out and sitting on moving motor vehicles during their political campaign in various sections of the island. This is a dangerous act and I am pleading for them to desist from this practice in order to preserve life and limb,” said Dr Jones.

Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Allen, head of the Traffic Division in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, is urging political supporters to be responsible with their lives.

“Body protrusion is a dangerous practice and it is against the Road Traffic Act. We have been speaking with numerous offenders and taking the necessary actions against them,” said SSP Allen.

“The police have been taking actions against some offenders, and we want to discourage persons from engaging in body protrusion while campaigning in their communities and towns across the island. The onus is also on the campaign organisers and politicians to encourage and ensure that their supporters desist from conducting the dangerous practice of body protrusion,” he continued.

The general election is scheduled for February 25.