KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the Ministry of Transport is reporting that as of today, 215 people have been killed from a total of 190 fatal crashes so far this year.

Fatal crashes and fatalities have decreased by 11 and seven per cent respectively when compared with similar period in 2017.

Fatalities for 2018 are projected to increase by two per cent when compared with 2017.

So far, St Catherine accounted for 19 per cent of road users killed, the largest figure since the start of the year.

Data from the unit also revealed that of the current number of fatalities, 50 were motorcyclists, 12 pedal cyclists, nine pillion riders, 42 were drivers of private motor vehicles, and 32 were passengers of private motor vehicle, seven PPV passengers, six commercial motor car passengers, two PPV drivers, five commercial motor car drivers, 49 pedestrians and one that falls into the category of other road users.

Meanwhile the RSU is appealing to road users to wear their seatbelts, helmets, and other protective devices to save lives, as well as, to pay close attention to road signs and markings.

Director of the RSU, Kenute Hare, urged all road users to take road safety seriously.

Hare encouraged drivers/motorists who transport passengers, to ensure that they do so safely by enforcing the wearing of seatbelts.

Pedestrians and pedal cyclists are also advised to wear bright coloured clothing at nights, and use reflective gears to ensure they can be seen at all times.

Pedal cyclists should also wear clothing that will make them more visible to other road users, especially in the nights.