Personal Responsibility Vital to Saving Lives – Prime Minister Holness
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is urging all citizens to exercise increased caution and responsibility on the nation’s roads.
The Prime Minister’s caution comes as the country marks road safety awareness month in June.
Dr. Holness says the Government will continue to strengthen traffic enforcement and road safety systems.
However, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that personal responsibility is vital to saving lives.
Data from the police Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) indicate that between January 1 and June 3, 2025, there have been 148 fatal collisions and 164 deaths.
This compares to 153 collisions, 177 deaths over the similar period in 2024 and 165 collisions, 181 deaths over the comparative period in 2023.
Prime Minister Holness said despite the year-on-year improvements, the figures remain unacceptably high.
Special attention is also being drawn to motorcyclists and pedestrians, two of the most vulnerable groups on our roads.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the high number of motorcycle fatalities, especially in western parishes such as Westmoreland and Hanover, and urged riders to exercise greater care.
He also reminded pedestrians to be cautious when using the roads, acknowledging that as a nation, we do not yet have enough designated crossings.
“Motorcyclists must wear helmets and obey all traffic rules, your life depends on it. And to our pedestrians: please only cross the road when it is safe to do so. We know that Jamaica does not yet have enough designated pedestrian crossings, so extra vigilance is needed. Whether walking, riding, or driving, we all have a part to play in protecting lives,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Dr. Holness issued a strong call for greater national vigilance:
“While we welcome the downward trend in road fatalities, even one life lost is too many. The Government continues to invest in enforcement and public education, but safety begins with each of us. Slow down. Stay focused. Don’t text and drive. Every decision you make behind the wheel matters.”
The Prime Minister also reminded the public that safe roads are essential for national progress.
“Road safety is not just a transport issue; it is a national priority. Every life lost affects a family, a community, and the country. We all have a role to play. Obey the speed limits, wear your seatbelts, and drive with care. Let us work together to make our roads safer for all.”
The Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Mining along with its partners, continues to intensify public education campaigns, road improvements, and the deployment of traffic enforcement technologies.
Prime Minister Holness noted that no measure can substitute for cautious and responsible driving habits.
This Road Safety Awareness Month, the government urges every Jamaican to join the mission: Drive with care. Arrive alive.