Prioritise Road Safety this Christmas

Although the Christmas season is associated with merriment, it also presents significant road safety challenges due to increased human and vehicular traffic.  Furthermore, the heightened alcohol consumption raises the risk of impaired judgment and dangerous driving.

Against this background, Lynford Reece, Senior Manager, Distribution and Marketing at JN General Insurance and road safety advocate, is urging all motorists to make a firm commitment: Do not drink and drive.

“Overindulging in alcohol is a major factor in road accidents, and unfortunately, we often see a rise in incidents during the festive period.  Various studies confirm that alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and can lead to devastating consequences,” he related.

“It’s unfortunate that despite many motorists knowing the risks of drunk driving, they often choose to ignore the warnings. On the other hand, some motorists do not recognise just how quickly alcohol can impair coordination, putting themselves and others in harm’s way,” said Mr Reece.

Statistics from the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Mining show that Christmas Day has consistently been the deadliest holiday in Jamaica. Between 2018 and 2023, there were 14 fatalities recorded on this day alone.

Joint research from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization indicates that alcohol-impaired drivers are 17 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers.

As part of its ongoing commitment to road safety, the insurance company is encouraging event hosts and guests to take proactive steps in preventing alcohol-related crashes this season.

Mr Reece underscored that event hosts play a crucial role in encouraging road safety this Christmas.

“Offering a range of non-alcoholic drinks gives guests an opportunity to moderate their alcohol consumption. It’s also important that they be mindful when serving alcohol, particularly if they notice that someone has already had enough. If a guest appears intoxicated, they should refrain from serving more alcohol and suggest they make arrangements to get home safely,” he advised.

Tips for Guests:

• Designate a Driver: If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver beforehand, or consider using a taxi to get home safely.
• Know Your Limits: Be mindful of how much you drink. Pace yourself and know when to stop to avoid impairing your ability to make sound decisions.
• Take Breaks Between Drinks: Give your body time to process the alcohol by spacing out your drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages. This helps to stay hydrated and keep your consumption in check.
  Look Out for Each Other: Keep an eye on your friends’ alcohol intake and help ensure that they have a safe way to get home if they had too much to drink.
• Don’t Drive Under the Influence: If you have had anything to drink, do not attempt to drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your reaction time and judgment. Prioritise safety for yourself and others on the road.

“It’s important to remember that road safety and mindful alcohol consumption should not be limited to the Christmas season. These are issues that require our attention every day of the year. By making responsible choices year-round, we can help ensure that the roads stay safe for everyone, no matter the occasion,” Mr Reece emphasised.