WITH a view to support efforts to reduce road crashes in the island, Berger Paints Jamaica has joined forces with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), and the National Works Agency (NWA) to pilot Project Reflect and Protect.

This initiative focuses on the use of reflective road marking paint to improve road visibility and ultimately reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Daryl Vaz has given his full support to the project which he says aligns with his broader vision of prioritising road safety in 2025 and beyond.

According to Vaz, Project Reflect and Protect is a crucial part of a larger, more comprehensive road safety campaign, with reflective road markings playing a critical role in ensuring safer roadways.

Vice-chairman of the National Road Safety Council Dr Lucien Jones has also welcomed the initiative while pointing to the importance of public-private partnerships in driving impactful road safety efforts.

Dr Jones has long advocated for focused, effective measures to reduce road crashes, a key component in sustaining national development while minimising the social and economic burdens of traffic accidents.

General manager of Berger Dwaine Williams expressed pride that the company’s locally manufactured and innovative reflective road marking paint is being used in support of this pilot project.

“We began manufacturing reflective road marking paint in late 2024, following extensive collaboration with the JCC and other stakeholder groups to brainstorm solutions for tackling the high rate of road crashes.

“Our durable and high-quality road marking solutions are formulated specifically for this type of use and will significantly improve visibility, especially under low-light conditions. Through this partnership Berger can help to create safer roads and reduce the frequency of road crashes across the island,” Williams said.

In the meantime Phillip Ramson, president of JCC, highlighted the possible profound impact of the initiative.

“Road safety has become an urgent issue for all of us. Reflective road markings can save lives by enhancing visibility, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving driver awareness. The economic and societal costs of road crashes — ranging from the loss of productivity to the strain on health care and emergency services — are substantial.

“The JCC is confident that Project Reflect and Protect will be a game-changer in addressing these issues,” said Ramson.

According to research, reflective road markings, particularly centre and edge lines, can reduce crashes by up to 36 per cent. They significantly improve visibility for drivers, particularly in low-light or adverse weather conditions, providing clearer pathways to safer roads.

The pilot phase of Project Reflect and Protect was launched on Sunday, April 6, on Spanish Town Road, starting with the Three Miles to Six Miles stretch.

This initial pilot and assessment period will test Berger’s reflective road marking paint against the NWA’s requirements of durability and effective reflectivity, as the State entity forges ahead with its wider campaign on road safety with the goal of enhancing driver awareness, improving road safety, and drastically reducing road fatalities.

In its update on Friday the Island Traffic Authority reported that Jamaica had recorded 102 road fatalities from 89 fatal collisions up to April 11.

This represents a 19 per cent decrease when compared to the same period last year.