JAMAICA-Transportation minister says Jamaica can be “cash-free.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica’s Transportation Minister says the country can become a “crash-free” society, as the power lies in all road users to ensure road safety.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz made the statement as he delivered the keynote address at a defensive driving workshop in the Corporate Area on Wednesday.

“Let us advocate for responsible driving from private and public motorists, that persons obey the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, embrace technology, and demand safer vehicles,” he said.

The event, held as part of Road Safety Awareness Month activities in June, was designed to train and equip drivers with the requisite knowledge and skills to avoid crashes.

Vaz also welcomed the staging of the Defensive Driving Workshop, noting that it facilitated theoretical discussions and provided practical solutions to ensure safer and more responsible road use.

“It serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness and reaffirm the collective commitment to reduce crashes and save lives,” he noted.

He also reported that as of June 27, 203 lives had been lost from 185 fatal collisions due primarily to inappropriate use of the roadways.

Pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion riders account for 65 percent of road users killed since the start of the year. He pointed out.

Vaz urged the participants to use the information provided to change behavior and added that the onus is on all road users to ensure that no lives are lost due to traffic crashes.

“Road safety is a continuous journey, and it requires our unwavering dedication, even beyond this Road Safety Awareness Month,” he said, noting that responsible behavior requires the wearing of seat belts, persons not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as driving at the stipulated speed.

He said the Road Safety Unit and the Island Traffic Authority would continue to work with stakeholders and partners to foster an orderly and disciplined traffic culture, particularly as the Government continues to invest in improving the road network.