KINGSTON, Jamaica —With the incidents of motorcycle crashes and deaths highest among young adults ages 20 to 24, the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC), took the initiative to educate students of Dunoon Park Technical High School about the dangers of riding without certified headgear.

Motorcycle-related fatalities remain a significant concern in Jamaica, with approximately 80 per cent of such deaths involving riders not wearing helmets. In 2024, there was a total of 364 road fatalities recorded; the statistics underscoring the critical need for road safety education, particularly among young adults.

During the visit, the students engaged in relatable conversations and activities about road safety. In reflecting on the session, eighth-grader Brihanna Barnaby declared that she will be engaging her family in conversations on the importance of helmet use, especially her father. “My dad drives a bike,” she explained. “Sometimes he wears a helmet, but I’ll tell him he should always wear it, no matter where he’s going.”

Tenth-grader Jerel Baker similarly shared Barnaby’s commitment to implementing the positive behaviours highlighted by presenters, as he emphasised his key takeaways from the conversations.

“I learnt that helmets can expire, and I also learnt about the importance of being sober while riding,” he said. His father, also a frequent motorcycle operator, prioritises safety by always wearing his helmet, and Jerel now wants to encourage other motorcyclists to do the same. “I appeal to riders to always wear their safety gear, especially helmets.”

With a school population of more than 800 students, Dunoon Park Technical High School was eager to participate in the initiative, especially given that the school has an automotive technology programme.

Principal, Shawn Aarons, said the intervention by the NHWC aligns well with the school’s curriculum.

“We believe it’s important for our students to learn not just about the technical side of vehicles but also about the required skills needed to be responsible road users,” Aarons said. “This initiative helps our students navigate the roads more safely and teach others to do the same.”

Sydoney Preddie, project manager for road safety and road user education explained the coalition’s role in fostering safer road practices.

“By reaching students at this stage, we are instilling lifelong habits that can help reduce road fatalities,” she said. “Education and awareness are key components in shaping a culture of road safety in Jamaica.”

The initiative was in partnership with the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the HEART/NSTA-Trust.

Manager for corporate communications and public relations at the ITA, Dontae Matthews, pointed to the rising number of motorcycle-related fatalities.

“Motorcyclists account for a significant portion of road deaths, and our goal is to empower all road users, whether pedestrians, motorcyclists, or drivers with the knowledge they need to stay safe,” Matthews said.

“We provide information about acquiring a learner’s permit and preparing for the road code test,” Matthews explained. “It’s all about creating informed, responsible road users, starting from a young age,” he added.

For her part, executive director of the NRSC, Paula Fletcher noted that “Jamaica National and the NRSC have been working together on road safety for years, and this school tour is a continuation of that commitment,” she said. “Motorcyclists, particularly young ones, are highly vulnerable road users, and it’s critical to start the education process early.”

With motorcyclists making up about 30 per cent of road fatalities, Fletcher stressed the importance of personal responsibility.

“Our behaviour on the road directly influences the outcome of accidents. Small decisions like obeying speed limits or wearing protective gear can have life-saving consequences,” she said.