Motorcyclists and pedestrians will be given special attention by the National Road Safety Council this year, as the entity strengthens initiatives to reduce the high number of road fatalities.
Among the measures is a programme to improve helmet-wearing by motorcyclists.
"We are looking forward to funds that have been allocated to help us to convince motorcycle riders to wear their helmets, and this is a major, major problem," vice-chairman of the council, Dr Lucien Jones, said.
Thirty-three persons have been killed as a result of crashes since the start of the year. Data from the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Mining indicates that motorcyclists account for 33 per cent of the road deaths and pedestrians account for 24 per cent.
A record 488 persons died as a result of 425 fatal crashes last year, with motorcyclists accounting for the highest, with 142 fatalities, followed by pedestrians with 109 deaths.
Director of the Road Safety Unit, Deidrie Hudson-Sinclair, is reminding all road users to obey the rules of the road.
"Motorcyclists and motorists must ensure they use proper protective equipment when traversing the roadways, and stick to the speed limits in the different areas. Pedestrians must remember to look right, then left, then right again and use safe places to cross. They should also wear light or bright clothing at nights and walk facing the oncoming traffic," she said.
