In Jamaica, road traffic crashes (RTCs) are a major public health issue and a leading cause of premature death. The number of injuries and fatalities has been increasing in recent years and principally affects the poor and other vulnerable road users. Behavioural issues are among the major causes of RTCs, including risk-taking by males, unwillingness to wear helmets, lack of seat belt use, and driving while drunk or otherwise intoxicated.

To address this issue and promote road safety in Jamaica, a project on “Support for implementation of Safe Systems Approach for Road Safety in Jamaica” was approved by the Steering Committee of UNRSF in August 2022. On 25th October 2022, a cyber information session was held by UNRSF Secretariat, gathering stakeholders from PAHO, UNICEF, and implementing government agencies to discuss further details of the project. The project attempts to address the situation through three road safety aspects, including strengthening road safety management, improving the behaviour of road users and improving post-crash care. The data systems for reporting road traffic injuries and deaths will also be strengthened.

Learn more about our other upcoming information sessions here: Call for Proposals 2022 | UNRSF.