Higher number of child victims in fatal road crashes

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

The year 2024 will end with road fatality statistics highlighting an increase in the number of children who were victims of traffic incidents.

 

Despite the overall road fatality figures expected to be less than that of 2023, data on road fatalities from the Island Trafficking Authority, up to December 27, shows that 23 children died on the country's roads since the start of the year.

 

This represents an increase of seven, when compared with the 16 child victims in the previous year.

 

Dontae Matthews, Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the ITA, provided a further breakdown of the data. 

 

"Now when we look at both periods, we realise that we lost mostly passengers in PPV (public passenger vehicles) and private motor vehicles. What we also realise is that we have lost children who were driving motorcycles and motor cars. And this would mean that they were not eligible or legal, right? So they were operating vehicles without learners permits, without driver's licences," he outlined. 

 

Mr. Matthews is urging children, who are a part of the most vulnerable groups, to use the following road safety practices. 

 

"We noticed that because they are home, they're prone to being on the roadways, playing, going to places. So we encourage that when they're walking in groups, they should always walk in a single file, especially on narrow roads without sidewalks. Where there are no sidewalks, they should walk on the right side of the road facing the oncoming traffic. So this way, they can see the flow and the behaviour of traffic." 

 

He continued: "When walking on the road, they should never use devices such as phones, tablets and earphones, because these are distractions which can lead to road crashes. Always use a safe place to cross. They should ensure that they cross at a pedestrian crossing, at the traffic light, a signalised intersection, or the pedestrian bridge. They should raise their hand when about to cross the road so that they can be seen. Only cross when all vehicles come to a complete stop," he urged. 

 

A total 363 people have died in traffic crashes to date.

 

While this figure is expected to increase, the year end total is projected to be less than the 425 deaths recorded in 2023.