⚠This is the Season in which there is usually a hike in road crashes and fatalities, with increased activities on our roads by those shopping, those eager to attend parties and those rushing to spend quality time with family, friends and loved ones.
In recognition of this, the National Road Safety Council would like to remind Jamaicans of
⚠ 10 important Road Safety Tips for all who travel on our roads.
1. AVOID SPEEDING
Drivers, please avoid speeding this festive season and drive within the speed limit. Please do not speed or drink and drive. Please judge the time it will take you to arrive at your destination early or on-time and make an effort to be on time. If you are late, you will be motivated to speed and overtake irresponsibly, which can result in road crashes that are preventable.
2. DON'T DRINK & DRIVE
Drivers, please do not drink and drive this festive season. If you are highly intoxicated, please avoid driving, as this is one of the leading causes of road crashes. If you are highly intoxicated, DO NOT get behind the steering wheel as this can lead to a crash causing injury or death. If you drink, use a designated driver to ensure that you arrive safely.
3. WEAR SAFETY DEVICES
Always wear the safety devices required by law whether you are travelling in a motor car or on a motorbike. Drivers and passengers should always wear their seatbelts. We are encouraging bicycle riders to wear the necessary safety gears to protect themselves on the roads. Young and small-bodied children are to travel in car seats. Motorcyclists and pillion passengers must always wear helmets which are of the standard required by the law. Since the start of the year, over 100 motorcyclists have lost their lives on our roads, which represents an increase of approximately 100% in comparison to road fatalities involving motorcyclists in 2014 and 2013.
4. STOP! LOOK! AND LISTEN!
This is one rule which has been stressed in our nation. However, because we care a lot about our pedestrians, we have to remind them of it. When crossing our roads, please pedestrians, 'Stop! Look! And Listen!' This is a very important road rule. Pedestrians, when crossing our roads this festive season, please remember to stop, look both ways and listen for oncoming traffic. Never attempt to cross the road without first looking in both directions.
5. AVOID USING DEVICES WHILE WALKING OR DRIVING
Mobile phones and other technologically-driven devices affect the concentration of drivers when operating a vehicle. They also reduce pedestrian awareness of activities going on around them. Similarly, listening to music through ear phones and playing electronic games while walking should also be avoided.
6. AVOID PLAYING ON THE ROADSIDE
Parents and guardians, please encourage your children not to play along busy roads, as this is a dangerous practice. It's easy to get carried away when you are playing. This can lead to crashes, with children running carelessly into traffic.
7. USE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Always use the pedestrian crossings when you want to cross a street. If there are none available, cross only where it is safe to do so and NOT at intersections and blind spots.
8. DO NOT WEAR DARK CLOTHING AT NIGHT
Children, as well as adults, should not wear dark clothing at night while walking on our roads. When you wear dark coloured clothing, it is harder for drivers to see you.
9. WALK ON THE SIDEWALK
Pedestrians should only walk on sidewalks or footpaths. If no sidewalk or footpath is available, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
10. BE RESPECTFUL ON OUR ROADS
Lack of respect for other road users and road rage are contributing factors to road crashes. Drivers should be prepared to give way to other drivers and, also pedestrians when necessary. We need to acknowledge the right of other persons to use the road. Drivers need to respect the road code.
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