KINGSTON, Jamaica — Twenty-one of the 65 people who have been killed in motor vehicle crashes up to Friday, March 7, died after being in vehicles that were proceeding at excessive speed with no regard to conditions.

This is according to the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) in its latest daily crash report released on Friday, March 7.

According to the report, 10 road users died because drivers “failed to keep to the near side or to the proper traffic lane”.

Two pedestrians died attempting to cross the road at the near side, while 11 died while walking or standing in the road.

The ITA said improper overtaking on the inside lane resulted in two deaths.

To date, seven pedestrians, 16 motorcyclists, 15 private motor car drivers, seven private motor car passengers, three pillion passengers, and three pedalcyclists are among those who have perished on the nation’s roads as of March 7.

The ITA said the 65 deaths overall have resulted from 60 fatal crashes. It said fatalities have decreased by 18 per cent when compared to the similar period in 2024, while fatal crashes are down 14 per cent.

So far, pedestrians account for 26 per cent of the fatalities, motorcyclists account for 25 per cent, private motor vehicle drivers account for 23 per cent and private motor vehicle passengers account for 11 per cent.

The category of road users deemed most vulnerable (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion passengers) accounts for 60 per cent of all fatalities combined since the start of the year. Overall, passengers account for 18 per cent of road deaths.

The ITA said 82 per cent of those killed since January 1 are males while 18 per cent being females.