Cops concerned about potential crash spike

Last weekend was one of the most dangerous on Jamaica's roads in recent weeks, with multiple crashes leaving police alarmed as the Christmas traffic builds.

"We had three fatal crashes over the weekend along with others in the Kingston metropolitan region," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch. "There is also one being investigated where a female drove over a bridge in St Elizabeth. It is a fact that the past weekend was not one of the best." McKenzie also noted an eight vehicle highway crash among the incidents. He said many of the crashes were caused by drivers losing control and failing to drive at a proper speed.

"When you think of the two crashes in Manchester over the weekend, those were single vehicle crashes, one involving a motorcycle and one involving a car, and both were attempting to make corners," McKenzie explained. "The motorcyclists crashed with a wall, and in the other instance, the car failed to maintain its course and crashed in an embankment and overturned."

As the festive season ramps up, McKenzie expressed concern about a potential spike in crashes.

"The challenge that we face, especially going through the rest of the season, is that we really don't want a multiplicity of crashes that cause a lot of grief and a lot of pressure on our health system," he warned.

"The fact is if we are not very careful we could have the crashes multiplying based on the frequency of movements that people generally make at Christmas time." Commercial drivers are also under scrutiny.

"What happen is that people who drive for profit, especially commercial and public passenger vehicles, tend to try and cover as much trips and areas as they possibly can," he reasoned. "That in itself is a recipe for disaster in some instances because persons tend to speed." He urged road users to remain alert.

"One of the things people have to do is keep their consciousness whilst they are using the road. Safety has to be something that persons put first," he said. "Persons must remember that they are not the only ones using the road so any decision that is made affects another road user whether it be another driver, motorcyclist, pedal cyclist or pedestrian."

McKenzie also warned of heightened dangers outside the Corporate Area.

"When you look at the western region of the island, the traffic is going to be moving much slower," he said. "A lot of the places at night are very dark so the risks are greater. People who are using the roadways in these areas should try and return to their places of abode before nightfall because it's a serious risk."

He said that the police will see how else they can occupy the areas they deem to be more susceptible to crashes.