WITH the ongoing support from manufacturing giant Red Stripe, Grennell’s Driver Safety Training and Services is stepping up its public awareness and involvement in road safety.

The company recently concluded its ‘Crash Free 2023’ workshop series with an event held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The workshop featured a keynote address from Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, and garnered participation from public and private sector stakeholders within the transportation industry.

Addressing the pressing concerns, Tufton highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding road safety in Jamaica.

“Road traffic accidents pose a significant public health crisis and demand our immediate attention. In 2021, over 6,700 road traffic crashes resulted in injury cases, impacting numerous individuals and families who interfaced with our public health system,” he said.

As at December 6, Jamaica had recorded 391 road fatalities resulting from 355 fatal collisions. The fatalities represent a 13 per cent decline, while fatal collisions represent a nine per cent reduction when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Attributing the traffic crashes to mainly speeding, improper use of lanes, and pedestrian negligence, Tufton argued that, “These figures underscore the need for collaborative initiatives and dialogues to address the root causes and mitigate these tragic incidents”.

Alphonso Grennell, organiser of the ‘Crash Free 2023’ workshop series in response to the call for preventive measures, launched the defensive driving workshops to combat road fatalities proactively.

According to Grennell, thanks to his partnership with Red Stripe, he plans to introduce ‘Crash No More 2024’, aiming to enhance road safety measures further.

“With overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and sponsors, we’re committed to gathering extensive constructive input to ensure next year’s workshops are more informative, engaging, and impactful.

“I’m happy that this year’s crashes have decreased compared to last year’s numbers, and I am more driven to continue putting in the work. If we have contributed to saving just one life, that’s enough motivation for me,” said Grennell as he acknowledged Red Stripe’s pivotal role, emphasising their partnership as vital to the initiative’s success.

In partnership with Red Stripe, Grennell’s Driver Safety Training and Services hosted four workshops this year; the first session was hosted in January with 135 participants; the second edition was hosted in April to expand the success of the first; and the third was hosted in June to commemorate Road Safety Awareness Month.

“We have been Mr Grennell’s steadfast partner for years, collaborating tirelessly in road safety. While acknowledging his significant role, we emphasise that effecting change requires a collective effort from society. So, I would like to applaud Mr Grennell for his amazing work. We are part and parcel, tied at the hip to ensure our roads are safe,” said Red Stripe Head of Corporate Affairs Dianne Ashton-Smith.

“We take pride in pioneering responsible consumption, amplifying this message through partnerships like this one. Our commitment remains firm in promoting moderation, exemplified through campaigns such as Drink and Live Responsibly. We’re dedicated to reshaping the narrative, prioritising a mindset of ‘responsibility’ above all else,” added Ashton-Smith.

This year the series facilitated more than 400 participants, and the first workshop in 2024 is scheduled for January 26 at Jamaica Pegasus hotel.