Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Floyd Green, is urging Jamaicans to drive safely on the nation’s roads over the Independence holiday weekend.

Motor vehicle crashes are known to spike during holiday periods when partying and drinking increase.

Green’s plea comes against the background that 42 people were killed in crashes during the month of July. Up to August 5 a total of 286 people had perished as a result of motor vehicle collisions since the start of the year.

“Speeding is one of the top reasons why our people are dying on the roads. I am pleading with our motorists as well as other road users to observe the speed limits, wear your seatbelts and do not drive intoxicated,” said Green.

“Many persons will be traversing the island’s roads to join in the celebrations for Jamaica’s 60th year of Independence. The best way to do this is to get to and from your destinations with care, to ensure you have the safest weekend ever,” the minister added.

Green was tasked by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the Chair of the National Road Safety Council to work with the Council to strengthen the road safety culture in the island.

He made a special call to motorcyclists who accounted for the majority of road fatalities last year.

“Maneuvering through the traffic slyly and the thrill you may think you get from speeding are momentary. It is not worth your life so please, do not take your safety and that of other motorists and pedestrians for granted, and remember to wear your helmets,” Green beseeched.

Recently, Green attended a ceremony in the United Kingston to mark the start of a collaborative project between the Government of Jamaica and the UK-based FIA Foundation. The project will last for three years at the cost of €750,000 and seeks to understand and address the barriers to effective helmet wearing across Jamaica.