PNP Slams Gov’t Over Rising Road Deaths, Cites Neglect of Crash Hot Spots

KINGSTON, Jamaica

 Amid a concerning rise in road fatalities across Jamaica, the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is accusing the government of failing to properly monitor and address known crash-prone areas.

According to PNP Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips, the Holness administration has shown little urgency in implementing safety measures at high-risk locations, putting lives in danger.

Phillips made the statement during a virtual town hall hosted by the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) on Wednesday.

223 Dead Since January — A Growing Crisis

Data from the Island Traffic Authority reveals a staggering 223 people have died in traffic collisions since the start of the year. This marks a 4% increase compared to the same period last year.

The most recent tragedy occurred on Monday along the Queens Highway in Discovery Bay, St. Ann, where a fatal multi-vehicle crash claimed three lives and left seven others injured, including two toddlers. The injured remain hospitalised in serious condition.

Opposition Demands Urgent Action

Speaking at the TODSS meeting, Mikael Phillips voiced frustration over what he sees as a pattern of inaction by the government despite repeated warnings about dangerous roadways.

“We cannot continue to treat road safety like an afterthought,” said Phillips.

“Lives are being lost unnecessarily because known black spots are being ignored by the authorities.”

He urged the Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Council to take immediate steps to identify and fix hazard zones, install appropriate signage, and implement data-driven enforcement.

Public Pressure Mounts

The PNP’s criticism adds to a growing wave of public concern over reckless driving, poor road conditions, and weak traffic enforcement. Road safety advocates have repeatedly warned that a lack of infrastructure, insufficient lighting, and faded road markings are contributing to fatal collisions.

In many rural areas, residents report that crash-prone intersections and blind corners go unchecked for years, despite repeated calls for government intervention.

Our Opinion

The rise in road fatalities is not merely a public safety issue—it reflects a deeper crisis of governance and accountability. With over 200 lives lost in under a year, it’s unacceptable that crash hot spots remain unmonitored and unaddressed. The government must move beyond expressions of concern and implement real, preventive solutions. It’s time for action—not another round of condolences.

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