KINGSTON, Jamaica – The number of people killed in traffic crashes on the nation’s roads since the start of the year has now surpassed the 200-mark with the gains made last year seem to be rapidly fading.

As of Monday, July 14, 203 people have died in 178 fatal crashes, according to the latest statistics released by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

Four of those were killed in four fatal crashes between Friday and Sunday.

The ITA says fatalities have decreased by three per cent while fatal crashes are down two per cent when compared to prior year.

The authority said that as at quarter two, fatalities are projected to increase by four per cent, when compared with 2024.

To date, motorcyclists account for 27 per cent or 54 fatalities as of July 14. Motorcyclist fatalities decreased by 18 per cent or 12 when compared with the similar period in 2024.

Pedestrians account for 19 per cent or 39 fatalities as of July 14, with fatalities in this category decreasing by seven per cent when compared with the similar period in 2024.

Private motor vehicle drivers account for 20 per cent or 41 fatalities during the period. Private motor vehicle driver fatalities have increased by 11 per cent or four, when compared with the same period last year. The ITA also said private motor vehicle passengers account for 16 per cent or 33 fatalities since the start of the year. It said private motor vehicle passenger fatalities have increased 50 per cent or 11 when compared to the prior year.

Meanwhile, eight children died as a result of six fatal crashes as of July 14. This represents a 27 per cent decrease when compared with the similar period in 2024. And 36 elderly people died as a result of 36 fatal crashes, an increase of 71 per cent. Thirty-nine pedestrians were also killed in 38 fatal crashes.

In the meantime, vulnerable road users (pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists and pillion passengers) combined, account for 57 per cent of the overall fatalities as of July 14, 2025.

The ITA said males and females account for 85 per cent and 15 per cent respectively of all road deaths as of July 14.