The Ministry of Transport and Mining is again imploring road users to adopt safe habits in order to reduce accidents and fatalities.

The latest appeal came from Permanent Secretary Dr Alwin Hales at the launch of the 2016 Grennell’s Jamaica Driver and Traffic Safety Expo at the ministry’s Maxfield Avenue offices in Kingston on Wednesday.

Dr Hales said he was disheartened by the level of indiscipline being displayed on the roads.

“No amount of regulation and enforcement can totally eradicate this scourge. It requires a change in our behaviour,” he pointed out.

The Permanent Secretary reminded motorists and cyclists that a critical part of the safety parameters is the observance of the protective devices legislation (1999), which mandates the use of seat belts, child restraint systems and helmets.

“I am bewildered that 17 years later we are still having motor vehicle crashes with persons being thrown from vehicles because of non-compliance,” he lamented.

Since February of this year, the ministry has been engaging motorcyclists in Little London, Westmoreland, and Lacovia and Mountainside in St Elizabeth, to promote road safety among the motorcycle community.

Dr Hales informed that these parishes account for 57 per cent of all motorcycle fatalities among young people aged 20 to 29, while motorcyclists and pillion passengers, pedestrians, and pedal cyclists account for 62 per cent of road deaths in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Driver and Traffic Safety Expo 2016 is scheduled for June 4 at Mandela Park, in Half-Way-Tree.

Under the theme: ‘Safe for Life’ the event will focus on motor vehicle crash prevention by providing defensive driving techniques to drivers and riders, as well as road safety best practices to pedal cyclists and pedestrians.

This year, there will be a Safe Taxi Driver Award, designed to encourage a change in behaviour among that category of road users.

The event is endorsed by the Ministry of Transport and Mining, and representatives of the Road Safety Unit, the Island Traffic Authority and the Police Traffic Department and will be in attendance to provide information to the public.