With just two weeks to go before the end of the year, things are looking good for the Police Traffic Department as the number of persons killed on the road is less than the figure for the corresponding period last year.

Three hundred and six fatal accidents occurred up to December 17, last year and the lives of 360 persons were claimed. This year, however, things are looking a bit better as so far, there have been 267 accidents and 312 deaths.

Once again, the St. Catherine Police Division is leading the way as the parish with the most deaths, as 62 persons have died in 51 accidents. At this time last year, St. Catherine also had the highest number of deaths. To date, Portland is the parish with the lowest number of road fatalities as only two persons have died in two accidents.

Pedestrians

A large number of those who have died on the road are pedestrians and this was also the case last year. Ninety-five pedestrians have been killed so far, while 102 were dead this time last year. Fifteen passengers on public transport vehicles have died so far, 69 of the victims were passengers in private motor cars, while 60 were drivers of private motor cars.

The police are determined to continue this reduction, and in an earlier interview, Deputy Superintendent Byron Powell told THE STAR that the officers would be very visible on the road this Christmas season, especially with the acquisition of new breathalysers.

"We will be out there, no holds barred, and once we suspect you, we're going to test you, no matter your category - whether sick, lame or lazy," he said.