Thomas Smith, Managing Director, JN General Insurance Company
newsApril 5, 2024

Insurer Applauds Launch of National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Jamaica

Photo Caption: Thomas Smith, Managing Director, JN General Insurance Company

A leading insurance company is commending the JN Foundation, in partnership with the National Road Safety Council and the UK-based FIA Foundation, for the establishment of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Jamaica on March 21.

JN General Insurance (JNGI), which views the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing road safety and saving lives, underscored the urgent need to address road safety concerns and implement preventive measures to reduce accidents and fatalities on Jamaican roads.

“The launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition aligns with the broader objectives of JNGI to promote responsible behaviour and mitigate risks associated with road use. Through our advocacy for helmet wearing, we actively champion safer roads, thereby playing a key role in safeguarding lives,” said Thomas Smith, Managing Director, JNGI, and road safety advocate.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility and initiatives such as the Coalition exemplify the power of partnership in effecting positive change,” he added.

The National Helmet Wearing Coalition aims to promote and advocate for the widespread adoption of certified standardised helmet use among motorcyclists and pillion riders across the island. Recognizing the alarming statistics surrounding road accidents and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users, the coalition endeavours to raise awareness about the importance of helmet wearing as a preventive measure.

Mr Smith pointed out that with road traffic injuries remaining a significant public health concern, advocating for helmet use, will seek to mitigate the risk of head injuries and fatalities, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. As an insurance provider, we witness firsthand the devastating impact of road crashes. We therefore reinforce our commitment to fostering safer roads,” he said.

Statistics provided by the Road Safety Unit in Ministry of Transport and Mining show that as of March 26, motorcyclists account for 39 per cent of users killed since the beginning of the year, while pillion passengers account for four per cent of the fatalities.

In addition to helmet wearing, the insurer recommends that motorcyclists observe the following tips to bolster road safety:

  • Wear Protective Gear: These include gloves and jackets specifically designed for motorcycling. This gear can provide added protection in case of a crash or slide.
  • Maintain Motorcycle: Ensure your motorcycle is properly maintained by checking brakes, tyres and lights regularly. A well-maintained motorcycle is safer and performs better on the road.
  • Stay Visible: Wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing to enhance visibility, especially at night. Use reflective tape on motorcycle to improve visibility to other motorists.
  • Obey Traffic Laws: Follow all road laws including speed limits and traffic signals. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic and always use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns.
  • Stay Alert and Focused: Remain attentive at all times while riding. Avoid distractions such as using a mobile phone. Focus on the road ahead for potential hazards and anticipate the actions of other motorists.
  • Avoid Riding Under the Influence: Never ride a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs your ability to operate the motorcycle safely. Alcohol and drugs significantly impair reaction time, coordination, and judgment.

“Safe riding habits and staying vigilant on the road can help protect you and others from crashes and injuries,” Mr Smith emphasised.

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newsMarch 27, 2024

Key Stakeholders Welcome Launch of National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC)

Photo Caption: Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (left), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, greets Saul Billingsley (right), Executive Director of the FIA Foundation, at the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) at the AC Marriott Hotel on March 21. Looking on are Earl Jarrett (second left), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JN Group and Director of the JN Foundation and Dr. Lucien Jones, Chairman of the Project Steering Committee and Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). The FIA Foundation is financing the Coalition project that is being implemented by the JN Foundation, in partnership with the NRSC, to heighten awareness about motorcycle helmet safety in Jamaica.

Against the background of alarming data highlighting the negative correlation between motorcycle related deaths and non-helmet use in Jamaica, as well as data indicating the gap between awareness, ownership and consistent use of certified, standardised protective gear, stakeholders have welcomed the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) as a big step towards addressing Jamaica’s motorcycle issues.

Guest speaker at the launch ceremony held at the AC Hotel on March 21, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, said the Coalition aligns with the Government’s agenda regarding road safety and public order.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the NRSC (National Road Safety Council), JN Foundation and the FIA Foundation for their tremendous contribution for an initiative such as this project,” he said adding that “motorcycle related issues must be addressed as a crucial component of our country’s overall strategy to improve public order and save lives. It is therefore imperative that we take protective measures to mitigate the risks posed by irresponsible individuals on our roadways.”

The Minister said the success of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition project will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders and their commitments to making a positive difference.

Dr Lucien Jones, Chairman of the Project Steering Committee and Vice Chairman of the NRSC, announced during the launch that the Ministry of National Security has already donated more than 2,000 helmets to the work of the Coalition.

Saul Billingsley, Executive Director of the FIA Foundation, the entity funding the project, said they are pleased to be supporting the initiative and remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders over the long term.  

“We have some understanding of how some other countries are trying to deal with their motorcycle issues and what we at the FIA Foundation have experienced is that having a National Helmet Wearing Coalition is a really great way to try to grapple with this. This is a shared responsibility but government must take a lead.”

Earl Jarrett, CEO of the Jamaica National Group and Director of the JN Foundation, noted that his organisation was also proud to extend its reach and support the Coalition project, which ultimately aims to protect lives.

“It’s all about putting people first, which is our motto at the JN Group, and recognising the need for us to have a healthy, vibrant society. Motorcycle fatalities is one of the largest group of fatalities, with recent data indicating that it is accounting for more than 30 per cent of all road fatalities. We are in danger of losing a generation of young people to these accidents and if awareness and persuasion were in place, we could have probably changed the trajectory of those who died,” he said.

Christopher Atkinson, a member of the Upshifterz Motorcycle Club, based in Mandeville, and a member of the Coalition who was present for the launch event, said he is looking forward to the work that will be undertaken by the Coalition towards creating a safer environment for motorcyclists, pillions and other road users.

The coalition was convened by the JN Foundation and National Road Safety Council (NRSC), in collaboration with the FIA Foundation, to heighten awareness about motorcycle helmet safety, prioritising import and use of certified helmets, through advocacy for policy development for helmet quality regulation and capacity-building initiatives. 

Recent data from the Road Safety Council indicate that despite 94 per cent of motorcyclists recognising that helmets can save lives and 86 per cent owning helmets, 60 per cent report riding without helmets at times. Data also highlight that up to 80 per cent of motorcycle drivers who were not wearing helmets suffered fatal or severe head injuries on the nation’s roads.

“I’m glad that everyone is realising there’s a perpetual problem and that we have a culture of not wearing a helmet,” shared Mr Atkinson. “Hopefully this [Coalition] can put pressure on people to not just brush it off as something small but rather as something essential; and so riders understand that if you buy your motorcycle, before you even buy gas, you buy your [genuine] helmet”. The membership of the Coalition is being drawn from Government, law enforcement, transport associations, private sector, non-governmental organisations, youth organisations, academia, parish development committees and international organisations. The first meeting of the Coalition was held following the launch ceremony on Thursday.

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Claudine Allen
newsMarch 22, 2024

National Helmet Wearing Coalition Being Launched to Drive Motorcycle Safety

The JN Foundation, the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the UK-based FIA Foundation, have collaborated to establish a National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Jamaica. The coalition will be formally launched on Thursday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the AC Hotel Kingston on Lady Musgrave Road in St Andrew.

The establishment of the Coalition comes against a background of increasing and alarmingly high levels of road crashes and fatalities among motorcyclists in Jamaica. Anecdotal data shows that up to 80 per cent of motorcyclists who have died on the nation’s roads were not wearing a helmet, and most are males between 19 and 29-years-old.

The Coalition is mandated to develop and implement activities that will influence the correct wearing of helmets and promote access to the correct standard of helmets. The initiative targets motorcyclists, as well as pillion riders and other road users.

Claudine Allen, General Manager at the JN Foundation, said the Coalition hopes to improve helmet usage, and to increase awareness of the standards outlined in the Road Traffic Act.

“We want to help to save the lives of our young men by encouraging them to always wear a standardised helmet, and we want to ensure that Jamaica is adequately prepared to ensure compliance to the declared standards,” she disclosed.

Ms Allen said that the initiative is collaborative and has strong support among Government of Jamaica entities involved in transport and road safety, as well as the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which enforces the Road Traffic Act that outlines the standards for helmets in Jamaica.

The executive director of the FIA Foundation, Saul Billingsly will be in Jamaica to underscore the FIA’s commitment to the project. The FIA Foundation is the charity arm of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) headquartered in France. The FIA is the world governing body for motorsports. The Hon. Earl Jarrett, chief executive officer and deputy chairman of The Jamaica National Group, and Director of the JN Foundation, will also address the launch.

The National Helmet Wearing Coalition comprises several stakeholders, which also includes motorcyclists and persons working towards improving the safety of motorcyclists and pillion riders. The Coalition in Jamaica will be tasked with the implementation of an action plan aimed at nurturing a culture of safety among motorcyclists, encouraging helmet wearing, and advocating for a regulatory environment that encourages motorcycle safety.

The FIA Foundation has successfully established coalitions in other countries, including Kenya, Mexico, Vietnam, and Rwanda.

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