THE DEATH toll as a result of the carnage on the nation's streets stood at 353 at the end of last year.
This represents 19 more Jamaicans killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2001, when compared to the corresponding period in 2000. There were 315 fatal accidents during the period.
This compares to 292 fatal accidents and 334 deaths in 2000, according to figures provided by the Elletson Road-based Police Traffic Department.
Pedestrians and children were among the most vulnerable group of road users last year a combined total of 155 were killed. One hundred and thirteen were pedestrians, 42 were children. In comparison, 100 pedestrians and 38 children were killed in 2000.
A breakdown of the motor vehicle statistics for 2001 show that 59 pedal cyclists, 29 motor cyclists and nine pillion riders were killed. The carnage also accounted for 13 passengers of public passenger vehicles; 52 passengers of private motor cars; and 16 passengers of commercial motor vehicles. Five drivers of public passenger vehicles died, so too 50 drivers of private motor cars. Seven of those killed were drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
According to Sergeant Hubert Dennis of the Elletson Road Traffic Division, the majority of the accidents resulted from speeding and improper overtaking. He made an impassioned plea for motorists to drive within the speed limits and to obey traffic signs. "We are hoping that for 2002 we will see a reduction in accidents and deaths as this loss of life is taking a toll on the economy," the traffic cop said.
Most of the traffic deaths occurred in the Corporate Area of Kingston and St. Andrew, he said, where 92 persons were killed, the result of 77 fatal accidents. This is followed by St. Catherine which had 65 fatal accidents and 60 deaths.
Third on the list was Westmoreland which had 30 fatal accidents and 34 deaths during the period. Twenty-three fatal accidents and 26 deaths were recorded in St. Ann, Sergeant Dennis said.
