Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says his ministry will engage in further public awareness campaigns  following the recent spate of fatal road crashes across the island. 

One of the latest crashes occurred along the Queens Highway in Discovery Bay, St. Ann on Wednesday.

Three people died as a result of injuries sustained while seven others were hospitalized.

In a release yesterday Mr. Vaz noted that his ministry will enhance coordination with the police, the Island Traffic Authority, the National Road Safety Council and other stakeholders to strengthen enforcement and public awareness efforts. 

He noted that this will include increased patrols, roadside checks and targeted safety campaigns in high-risk areas.

According to Minister Vaz all Jamaicans must play their part in reversing the current trend, by obeying traffic laws and reporting reckless behaviour. 

The minister also highlighted that more than 50 persons have been arrested for driving under the influence since the start of the year. 

In the meantime, he called on the island’s courts to take a zero tolerance approach when sentencing offenders for traffic breaches.