All too frequent fatal road crashes are a source of depression, to put it very mildly.

Yet, we are encouraged by word from Island Traffic Authority (ITA) that, up to November 6, there had been 11 per cent and 16 per cent decreases in road fatalities and fatal crashes when compared to the similar period last year.

The ITA said there had been 313 lives lost in 270 fatal crashes since the start of 2024.

We are reminded that for all of last year 425 people died in motor vehicle crashes on Jamaican roads. That was down from 2022 which, we are told, was among the deadliest with 488 people dying on our roads.

We are tempted to believe that the downward trend in road deaths may well be related to the strengthened Road Traffic Act which became law in early 2023; and which, we think, is causing many motorists to exercise far greater care than previously.

Obviously, though, the ambition of former Transport Minister Mr Audley Shaw for deaths on Jamaican roads to be reduced to much less than 250 by 2030 remains distant.

Apart from the horror of lost lives and serious injuries, there are multiple billions of dollars in expenses incurred for health care and insurance costs, etc, flowing from road crashes.

On the plus side, we suspect there is an increasing reliance by the police on surveillance cameras in communities and townships in probing vehicular crashes.

Beyond that, we look forward to comprehensive installation of such technological aids covering the Jamaican road network which would surely help to deter reckless behaviour.

For, as famed road safety advocate Dr Lucien Jones reminds us, “We can’t have a policeman on every corner…”

We are disturbed that despite repeated pledges by the authorities to clamp down on those who insist on driving motorcycles without wearing protective helmets, the illegal practice remains prevalent.

Very importantly, we contend that there must be no easing up in public education, not just for motorists but for pedestrians. Many among the latter group routinely and thoughtlessly walk with their backs to the traffic on narrow roads which — especially in the rural areas — are often devoid of sidewalks.

It’s not uncommon to see pedestrians in the dead of night, dressed in dark, hard-to-see clothing on badly-lit roads.

There should be no let-up in telling people, young and old, wherever they gather, about the need for proper and safe behaviour on our roads.

And, as the Christmas season approaches, there is the additional need for road users to be extra careful in the use of mind-altering substances such as alcohol and ganja.

We should all take on board the advice of director general of road traffic at the ITA, Colonel Daniel Pryce, that: “Road safety is a shared responsibility. We must ensure we look out for each other… understand the Road Code, and practise defensive driving and put measures in place to ensure you get to your destinations safely. By promoting responsible road use and holding ourselves and others accountable we can create safer roads for ourselves, our loved ones, and future generations.”