KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Road Safety Unit is appealing to motorists to reduce their speed on the nation’s roads as the Yuletide season approaches.

This appeal comes in light of the 312 being persons killed since January, and 20 persons dying in 21 days so far this month.

“We are appealing to drivers to cut their speed and look out for vulnerable road users, never overtake on a bend or at a junction or unnecessarily; never drive in a manner that will prove offensive to other road user. In addition, always use their seatbelts, ensure passengers in the vehicle utilise them as well as, and children are securely fastened in the correct protective devices,” said RSU Director Kenute Hare.

Of the 312 deaths from 285 fatal crashes, motorcyclists, pedestrians, passenger in private motor vehicles, and drivers of private motor vehicles account for 84 per cent of road users killed. Statistics from the unit also highlight that males deaths continue to outnumber female deaths on the nation’s roads, of the 312, 265 were males and 47 were females.

Hare added that the country did not meet the target of below 300 and there is projected to be an increase which is worrying, as motorcyclists and pedestrians continue to be the leading categories of road users being killed.

“In order to have a peaceful Christmas season, road users must obey the rules of the road at all times. We cannot afford to lose anyone else in 2017, slow down and save lives. Remember to drive for the family,” he said.