Motor vehicle accidents and collisions continue to claim the lives of many Jamaicans, despite the commendable, valiant and vigilant efforts of the Police Traffic Department, National Road Safety Council and Road Safety Unit.

The drive to reduce road fatalities below 300 in 2009 was, unfortunately, not achieved.

There is, however, no denying the very important role and efforts of the police and these organisations to make our roads safer, in spite of the 320-plus death toll.

These figures are very alarming and we all need to play our part to reduce road fatalities. The life that is saved could be our very own. The following are some timely observations and suggestions.

The vast majority of collisions resulting in serious injuries and deaths have been attributed to excessive speeding and improper overtaking.

Excessive speeding

For many, speeding excessively is simply HABIT (Having Accus-tomed Behaviour Independent of Thought). Let's check ourselves before we wreck ourselves! In all spheres of life, knowing when to slow down and when to stop is what will keep us going. Modern societies are fast paced and people are often in a rush. Let's avoid the RUSH, it's a Risky Unnecessary Stressful Habit! While punctuality and respect for time are very important, it is always better to be late than to be 'the late', better to lose a minute in life than life in a minute.

Life is very precious. In our efforts to reduce fatalities, let's buckle up, drive carefully and obey all the rules.

History shows that the most orderly, peaceful, progressive and prosperous societies recognise, respect and routinely adhere to rules and the rule of law.

Let's follow the rules and drive safely as smart drivers, driving with CARE: Caution, Alertness, Respecting Everyone.

I am, etc.,

Dr Daive R Facey

DR.Facey@gmail.com