By Markelia Rumble

Seventeen people have died in sixteen fatal crashes since the beginning of the year.

The Island Traffic Authority says this represents a 6% increase in fatalities compared to last year or one additional death.

It also notes a 7% rise in fatal crashes, when compared to the similar period in 2024.

Motorcyclists account for 18% of the fatalities so far, while pedestrians make up 47% of those killed on the roads this year.

In the most recent fatal incident, a truck driver was killed yesterday morning in Orange Bay, Portland, after losing control of his vehicle, which overturned.

The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Kirk Gooden of Olympic Court, Kingston 11.

Vice-chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Dr. Lucien Jones, has expressed concern over the unexpected rise in fatalities, particularly after the country recorded a 14% reduction in road deaths last year.