The number of lives lost on the nation’s roadways due to road crashes has surpassed the 50 mark.

According to the Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), a total of 57 Jamaicans died in road crashes, resulting from 49 fatal collisions.

This represents an 11 per cent decline when compared to the same period last year.

To date, motorcyclists (37 per cent), private motor vehicle drivers (19 per cent), passengers (19) and pedestrians (16 per cent) account for the highest number of road fatalities.

Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland are the parishes that account for the highest number of road fatalities.

The ITA is now calling on all road users to have a change of behaviour when traversing the roadways.

“The intention of all road user is to get to their destination safely, and back home. Road users must ensure they cut out distractions, cut out all unnecessary actions that could lead to a crash or a fatality and think about their loved ones who they want to go home to. It is also very important that they learn the road code and abide by it,” the authority said.

It is also reminding road users to wear protective gear or clothing at all times and increase their vigilance at nights and during adverse weather conditions.