KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) is cautioning road users to remain vigilant even as fatal crashes and fatalities continue their downward trends.

According to the latest statistics released by the ITA, 210 people were killed in 183 fatal accidents up to Friday, July 19. The ITA said fatalities have decreased by a significant nine per cent, while fatal crashes are down 14 per cent when compared with the corresponding period in 2023.

It said motorcyclists, pedestrians and private motor vehicle drivers were the top three road user categories with the highest number of road fatalities during the first half of 2024. The main causes of these fatalities were speeding, failure to keep to the proper traffic lane, and pedestrians walking out or standing in the roadway.

Meanwhile, during the week ending July 19, five people, including three pedestrians and an American visitor, were killed in motor vehicle crashes. One private motor car passenger and the driver of a private motor car were also killed.

Up to July 19, pedestrians accounted for 20 per cent of the road users killed since the start of the year. Motorcyclists accounted for 31 per cent, private motor vehicle drivers accounted for 18 per cent and private motor vehicle passengers, 11 per cent.

The group of road users deemed most vulnerable, (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists and pillion riders) accounted for 61 per cent of the overall deaths up to July 19. The ITA said males and females accounted for 86 per cent and 14 per cent respectively of the road fatalities as of July 19, 2024.