‘They break lives’
Judge warns of traffic violations’ impact
PORT MARIA, St Mary — Warning that traffic violations are not just about breaking the rules but often cost lives, senior parish court judge for the Corporate Area Mitsy Beaumont-Daley is urging road users to make sure they know the traffic laws and are clear on what constitutes an offence.
“Road traffic violations do not break the law, they break lives. The laws that are there to be enforced for road use will be enforced,” she warned.
She was speaking during a recent St Mary Parish Court symposium — organised by Senior Parish Court Judge for St Mary, Nicole Kellier — aimed at empowering road users and promoting road safety.
The theme was ‘Share the road, empowering traffic users; share the knowledge with the community’.
In promoting road safety and accountability, Beaumont-Daley encouraged event attendees to get a copy of the Road Traffic Act to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
“We see offences where drivers are charged [because they are] under the influence of alcohol, public passenger operators [are charged] where they are overloaded, racing for passengers, disobeying traffic lights and other traffic signs. [They are] placing profit above human lives,” said Beaumont-Daley.
She also highlighted other offences which are seen too often, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, driving without licenses and insurance, as well as breaking traffic lights and traffic signs. She stressed that road traffic violations can have devastating consequences, leaving permanent life-altering effects on individuals and families.
For the 20-year period from 2006 to 2025, a total of 7,420 people perished in traffic crashes in Jamaica according to the daily crash reports released by the Island Traffic Authority. That is about 31 lives lost each month or one a day.
— Ingrid Henry
Senior Traffic Court Judge for the Corporate Area Misty Beaumont-Daley and Chief Judge for St Mary Parish Court Broderick Smith catch up during a recent parish court-organised symposium aimed at empowering road users and promoting road safety. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)
