KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transport and Mining Minister, Lester “Mike” Henry is again appealing to motorists to curb bad driving habits as the number of road fatalities for December 2017 surpassed the 16 that were recorded last year.

According to Henry, if motorists do not curb their bad driving habits, Jamaica will end up with approximately 325 road fatalities by the end of the year.

He said while this would reflect a marked decrease in fatalities in contrast to last year, any figure over 300 is still unacceptable, given Jamaica’s per capita ratio.

The transport minister noted that 99 per cent of the fatal crashes were as a result of human error, which means they could have been avoided if motorists were more careful, less distracted, and more attentive to the conditions in the traffic environment.

He also expressed concern that of the 311 road fatalities recorded so far this year, 263 have been males, representing a staggering 85 per cent of the total deaths.

“This is nothing short of wanton waste of Jamaica’s young talents and productivity in the age group 19 to 35 years,” Henry said, while condemning the aggressive and dangerous behaviour of motorists particularly the drivers of coaster buses and route taxis in rural townships and the corporate area that leaves other motorists in fear.

He urged the police and the Island Traffic Authority to intensify their enforcement activities, as the holiday activities reach fever-pitch levels.

In the meantime, the transport minister is urging celebrants of the festive season to do so with caution and to appoint a designated driver when alcohol is being consumed.