Road Safety Unit calls for jaywalking law

Monique Grange, Assistant News Editor
The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre

The Road Safety Unit wants the government to enact a jaywalking law as part of efforts to reduce the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes.

At least 83 pedestrians were killed last year.

According to Director of the unit Kenute Hare, at least 58 of those deaths resulted from the improper use of the roadway by pedestrians.

He believes a jaywalking law would help in reducing the number of persons killed while crossing or standing on the roadways.

Jaywalking is crossing the road in a way that is detrimental to both the pedestrian and other users of the road.

Hare said while existing road laws make provisions for the prosecution of drivers, pedestrians must also be held accountable for their role in a traffic crash.

He said a jaywalking law would force pedestrians to cross only at designated spots.

Meanwhile, Hare said changes will be implemented at the intersection of Hope, Hagley Park, Constant Spring and Half-Way Tree roads in St. Andrew by the end of January to facilitate proper movement at the pedestrian crossing.

He said he is still in discussions with the National Works Agency regarding the pending changes.

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