The Road Safety Unit in the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) is reporting a 13 per cent decline in road fatalities, compared to the previous year.

Up to Wednesday (February 7), 35 lives were lost on the nation’s roadways due to crashes resulting from 32 fatal collisions.

The parishes of Westmoreland, St. Catherine and St. Andrew accounted for the highest number of fatalities to date.

Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and private motor vehicle drivers were among the top three road user categories with the highest number of road fatalities since the start of the year.

Last year, the country recorded 425 road fatalities resulting from 384 fatal collisions. Males accounted for 88 per cent of fatalities last year.

The Island Traffic Authority is calling on all road users to have a change of behaviour when traversing the roadways.

“All road user intends 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 ITA said.

The ITA is also reminding road users to wear protective gear and clothing at all times and increase their vigilance at night and during adverse weather conditions.