The recognition of June as National Road Safety Month commenced in 1990, by declaration of the then Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Florizel Glasspole

This calendar observance was initiated by the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) out of concern for the safety of all categories of road users. Road Safety is endorsed by the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), the lead agency for road safety promotion in Jamaica, as well as other key road safety stakeholders and practitioners.

The JGRA works in collaboration with the Road Safety Unit of the Ministry of Transport and Works, The Jamaica Constabulary Force – Traffic Division, The National Works Agency and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) of which we are a sitting member, as well as the National Blood Transfusion Service.

We choose projects which are geared towards safer use of our roads. This year, we are particularly perturbed with the very high incidences of crashes amongst motorcyclists; and as such, the focus of the JGRA in our 2016 campaign in on this group of road users.

The statistics supplied by the National Road Safety Unit indicate that some 30% of the fatalities that occur on our roadways are motorcyclists. It is our plan to increase our efforts to educate this category of road users on the importance of safe practices on our roadways. Carreras Limited and Superior Parts Limited have partnered with us in this regard and plan for our “Ride for Life” and Defensive Driving Seminars projects are well advanced. We are confident that the motorcycling population can become more aware and benefit from a structured programme which should go a far way in decreasing the horrendous and fatal crashes that seem to plague this category of road users.

Motor vehicle crashes are a very big cause of death in our society as to date, we have had 162 deaths , with one crash taking five (5) lives just last week, the JGRA is convinced that education and safety awareness can make a major positive impact.

Our involvement in road safety projects over the years include, Defensive Driving Seminars, Safety talks and interaction with school communities, replacing road signage that have become illegible or vandalized and repainting pedestrian crossings, especially those in close proximity to schools. This past Labour Day, Monday May 23, 2016, saw various chapters of the association painting crosswalks in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Westmoreland, Manchester, St. Ann and St. James. A total of 22 pedestrian crossings were repainted. Pedestrian crossings in other regions will be impacted as the year progresses as we strive to underscore the importance of safe road practices including the proper use of clearly visible pedestrian crossings which can prove to be a life saver.

The JGRA, though proud to be regarded a major organization in the promotion of road safety in Jamaica, must note our disappointment with the level of success we have realized, as a country, relative to the efforts of all key stakeholders to reduce the carnage on our roads. I dare say, we are not very optimistic that the heightened penalties contemplated by the impending amendments to the Road Traffic Act will achieve its desired objectives unless a serious commitment is made to address indiscipline and corruption in our society.

In this regard we are calling on our legislators and leaders of all strata to support the JGRA with the following proposals:

1. Make “Civics” a compulsory course of study for secondary level education, “Road Safety” being a weighted component.

2. Mandatory class room type “Safe Road Use” orientation session prior to issuance of provisional (learner) license. Approved participants to be presented with a certificate which will be tendered at the TAJ for the granting of the provisional license.

3. Special training requirement and annual medical and psychometric tests for all drivers of Public Passenger Vehicles (PPV).

4. Improved design and maintenance of all carriageways complete with adequate and proper signage, lighting and drainage.

5. Equip first responders (police, fire-fighters, medics) with adequate resources to minimize crash fatalities.

6. Make the National Road Safety Council an independent body with full regulatory powers for design, signage and markings, safety, licensing and driver training curriculum and service providers’ certification.

Funding of the Council could be derived from the motor vehicle licensing fees plus 2.5% of the current 10% ad valorem on motor fuels.

As a nation we must take road safety seriously. Road crashes impact the socio-economic fibre of our beloved island as it destroy our human resources, productivity, health care, family structure and increases our cost of living through increased motor insurance premiums which in turn spike the costs of certain goods and services .

Let us, as a people challenge ourselves to survive by walking, riding and driving with the consciousness of “Road Safety for Life”.

God bless you All!!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE