Bikers speeding towards 100 fatalities, data reveal
MOTORCYCLISTS ACCOUNT for a third of road users killed since the start of the year. With 50 fatalities recorded among bikers in just over four months, the final figure for 2019 could go well beyond 100 if they do not make safety a priority when using the nation’s roads.
In an effort to curtail the rising number of fatalities, road-safety advocates have been ramping up campaigns to boost awareness and training among this group.
“More motorcyclists are dying in developing countries, and in Jamaica, there is a lack of infrastructure and training for bikers. Oftentimes, they don’t abide by the law, especially by riding in and out of lanes,” said Kenute Hare, director of the Road Safety Unit in the transport ministry.
Statistics from the unit reveal that as at May 6, some 158 persons had been killed in 144 crashes. Of that group, 36 were pedestrians, 10 were pedal cyclists, 50 were motorcyclists and four were pillion riders. Three persons in public passenger vehicles (PPVs), 24 passengers of private motor vehicles, three commercial motor car passengers, one PPV driver, 25 drivers
of private motor vehicles, and two commercial motor car drivers were also killed in crashes.
Hare said that bikers, in particular, need to learn to become much
more disciplined while operating their vehicles on the roads.
“Riders need to develop the habit of wearing proper protective gear and protect their
heads because the brain controls everything, and nothing can save it when it meets the asphalt,” he noted.
He was among a group of safety officials who shared data at the recent Red Stripe Drink Right Bikers’ Workshop at the brewery’s Spanish Town Road offices.
HEALTH COSTS
National Road Safety Council Executive Director Paula Fletcher pointed out that the Ministry of Health says it costs the country billions of dollars to treat crash victims.
Professional bearers and other motorcyclists were targeted for Monday’s workshop. The beer company teamed up with Backto-Basics (BTB) Motor Mission to deliver theoretical and hands-on training to the more than 20 bikers who registered for the workshop. It was held in observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
“We want to engage motorcyclists as they are sometimes overlooked as road users. This workshop will help to put safety at the forefront of biker culture in Jamaica. Ultimately, we want to make our roads safer, and equipping motorcyclists with knowledge-based tools is one way to achieve this,” said Tyheissa Williams, communications and sustainability executive at Red Stripe.
Julian Josephs, an apprentice with just one month under his belt as a motorcycle driver, said that he loves that mode of transportation as he enjoys a sense of freedom while easily navigating through traffic in the Corporate Area. However, he acknowledged that he needs to improve his riding skills and safety awareness.
“Riding a bike is such an enjoyable experience, but there are many risks involved. Good road practices aren’t just knowing the right thing but about doing the right thing. Safety needs to become a part of our culture, and this workshop will steer bikers in the right direction,” said Tarik Zawdie, chief training facilitator at BTB Motor Mission.