KINGSTON, Jamaica-Thirty-three road users were killed in 30 fatal crashes during the month of August according to the latest monthly statistics released by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

The numbers show that fatalities have increased by 38 per cent when compared to August 2024, while fatal crashes increased by 43 per cent.

Motorcyclists accounted for 39 per cent or 13 fatalities during August 2025. This is two fewer deaths among this vulnerable group of road users, when compared with August 2024.

The ITA said pedestrians accounted for 24 per cent or eight fatalities during August 2025. Pedestrian fatalities increased by 300 per cent or six, when compared to August 2024.

Private motor vehicle drivers accounted for 15 per cent or five fatalities in August 2025. This represents a 150 per cent increase in fatalities among private motor vehicle drivers when compared to August 2024.

Meanwhile, a breakdown of the fatalities by parish during August shows that St Catherine, with five deaths, was the deadliest for road users while Hanover, with zero deaths was the safest.

A closer look at the numbers shows that Kingston, St Ann and Manchester each recorded four deaths, St Elizabeth and St James each recorded three, Clarendon, Portland and St Mary had two each, while St Andrew, St Thomas, Trelawny and Westmoreland each had one fatality.

Six elderly persons and two children were among the road fatalities last month, while vulnerable road users -pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists and pillion passengers – accounted for 73 per cent of the fatalities during August 2025.