Traffic deaths on the rise out west

The number of persons perishing in motor vehicle accidents across western Jamaica is now reaching crisis proportion as with just six months gone in the year, a total of 37 persons have been killed in the 32 recorded road accidents across the region.

The latest victim is Kevin Hayes, of White Hall district in Negril, Westmoreland, who died at approximately 4:20 p.m. last Thursday, when he lost control of his motorcycle along a section of the Namprell main road, in Little London and crashed.

Based on statistics provided by the Area- One Traffic Reconstruction Unit, except for Westmoreland, which has seen a significant reduction over last year, the number of deaths from road crashes are on the increase.

In St James, which had six deaths from six accidents last year, there is a slight increase this year with nine persons being killed in seven accidents.

In Hanover, which had five deaths from five accidents last year, the number has jumped to 10 deaths from 10 accidents, while Trelawny, has nine deaths from 12 accidents, a substantial increase over last year's six deaths from six accidents.

The situation in Westmoreland is most encouraging as, while there were 21 deaths from 21 accidents last year, this year has seen a major reduction with only six deaths from six accidents.

"Careless driving and speeding is to be blamed for most of the fatal crashes across western Jamaica," said Sergeant Andy Birch, who heads the Area-One Traffic Reconstruction Unit. "I want to appeal to motorists to proceed with caution, while using the public roadways and to cease from speeding."

In Hanover, the parish's commanding officer, Superintendent Sharon Beeput, said efforts are being made to have all the various 'black spots' in the parish adequately covered by her traffic department.

"What is happening is that the motorists are slowing down when they are approaching the checkpoints. In many cases, they are warned by other motorists flashing their lights," said Beeput. "Once they are past the checkpoints, they usually start speeding again."

A total of 106 persons lost their lives in 99 road accidents across all four western parishes last year.