KINGSTON, Jamaica — There has been a sharp uptick in fatal traffic crashes over the past four weeks which has pushed the number of people killed on the nation’s roads to 138 as of Friday, May 9.

The deaths resulted from 124 fatal crashes, the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) revealed in its latest daily crash report released on Friday.

The ITA said fatalities have decreased by nine percentage points when compared to prior year, while fatal crashes are down five per cent during the similar period in 2024.

Motorcyclists continue to top the list in terms of category roads users killed, with 40, or 29 per cent, as of May 9. Pedestrians come next with 32 fatalities or 23 per cent, followed by drivers of private motor vehicles with 29 fatalities or 21 per cent.

Seventeen private motor vehicle passengers were killed during the period, making up 12 per cent of the overall death count.

Meanwhile, seven pedalycyclists, five pillion passengers, and four passengers of commercial passenger vehicles were also killed.

Combined, vulnerable road users (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists and pillion passengers)  account for 61 per cent of all road deaths this year.

Males account for 85 per cent while females account for 15 per cent of all fatalities since the start of the year.