KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two categories of Jamaica’s most vulnerable road users – pedestrians and motorcyclists – have combined to account for 52 per cent of the 160 people killed in 145 fatal crashes since the start of the year.

According to the latest crash statistics released on July 10 by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), fatalities have decreased by 19 per cent when compared to prior year while fatal crashes decreased by 16 per cent.

The statistics also reveal that 42 motorcyclists have been killed this year, representing 26 per cent of overall fatalities. Pedestrians come next with 41 deaths, also accounting for 26 per cent of fatalities since the start of the year.

The other worrying categories are private motor vehicle drivers and their passengers.

The ITA is reporting that 38 drivers of private motor vehicles have been killed, accounting for 24 per cent of fatalities, while 25 passengers of private motor vehicles perished, accounting for 16 per cent of all road deaths.

Combined, vulnerable road users made up of pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists and pillion passengers, account for 56 per cent of fatalities since the start of the year. Overall, passengers account for 19 per cent.

Meanwhile, males and females account for 84 per cent and 16 per cent respectively of all road deaths since the start of the year.