Kingston, Jamaica, July 13, 2023 (PAHO/WHO) - Every year, hundreds of Jamaicans lose their lives in road crashes, are maimed, or sustain life-altering injuries as a result of accidents. Road safety is a noted public health issue that not only causes loss of life and disability but also places a heavy financial burden on victims and their families.
This week, July 10–14, 2023, the National Road Safety Council of Jamaica, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will take the lead in conducting a Road Safety Management Review. The review will facilitate consultations with key stakeholders to assess the lead agency's role, outline long-term investment, and identify a safe system to inform the national plan of action. A safe system approach prioritizes the elimination of crashes that result in death and serious injuries.
The Road Safety Management Review aims to lay the foundation for achieving the second decade of action for Road Safety 2021–2030, with a target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, delivered the keynote address at the launch of the second decade of action held in October 2022. He also announced the adoption of the safe systems approach, which is crucial for the plan's success.
Most recently, several regulations were added, and some amendments made to the Road Traffic Act 2018 and have been enforced as of February 2023. The aim of these regulations is to improve road safety by addressing common causes of accidents, such as distracted driving and speeding.
The review precedes a series of strategic interventions to be introduced over the next three years through a US$ 400,000 grant from the United Nations Road Safety Fund. The grant will be used to accelerate the response for the achievement of the national target, and, by extension, the global target for the second decade of action. These interventions include the strengthening of Road Safety Management, improving behaviours of road users, as well as post-crash care.
The review, currently underway at the PAHO Country Office in Jamaica, aims to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to road safety in Jamaica through stakeholder participation.
