The National Helmet Wearing Coalition
The National Helmet Wearing Coalition is a voluntary body dedicated to promoting helmet safety and reducing motorcycle-related crashes in Jamaica. Established on March 21, 2024, by the JN Foundation and the National Road Safety Council, with financial support from the FIA Foundation, the coalition unites safety advocates, motorcycle enthusiasts, educators, medical professionals and government agencies to create a safer environment for motorcyclists and pillion riders.
Data from the National Road Safety Council indicates that since 2012, some 600 motorcyclists have been killed on Jamaican roads. Alarmingly, young men, aged 18-29, account for almost all fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes.
Through collaborative efforts, the National Helmet Wearing Coalition endeavours to address this concerning trend by promoting the consistent use of safe and homologated helmets among all motorcyclists. By raising awareness, advocating for legislation and enforcement, and providing education on the importance of helmet safety, we aim to reduce motorcycle-related fatalities and create a culture of responsible riding habits across Jamaica.
Mission
The mission of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition is to enhance helmet usage among motorcyclists through capacity building, advocacy and community engagement. We strive to bolster enforcement and legislation of helmet-wearing standards, fostering positive change on the road. By strategically deploying UN 22.05 helmets, we address prevalent issues, including:
- Inadequate regulation/legislation/inspection for a helmet standard.
- Insufficient awareness among riders regarding the necessity of a safe helmet, irrespective of existing laws and regulations.
- Pervasive availability of inexpensive, counterfeit helmets that undermine authentic products.
Our efforts include safety campaigns, legislative advocacy, and partnerships with key stakeholders to promote helmet safety and reduce motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities.
Values
The guiding principles that the National Helmet Wearing Coalition adopts in its activities and use of resources are:
- Impartiality
- Collaboration
- Partnership
- Sustainability
- Transparency
- Inclusivity
- Integrity
Vision
The creation of a sustainable and safe environment for all road users, with a specific focus on reducing fatalities among motorcyclists. The coalition aims to ensure access to quality and affordable helmets in the Jamaican market, encouraging a culture of safety and responsible riding.
Members of the Coalition
Dr. Carrington Morgan
Rudie Kirlew
Mark Robinson
Derrick Johnson
Maleek Powell
Marlon Fletcher
Gregory Chung
Derrick Thompson
Shernette Callam
Victor Clemetson
Lloyd Swaby
Maurice Levermore
Kevon Clayton
Sergeant Craig Bonitto
Rodney Forbes
Christopher Atkinson
Christopher Foster
Dwight Simms
Ricardo Hanson
Project Steering Committee members
Dr. Lucien Jones
Lt. Col The Hon. Garfield Green
ACP Gary McKenzie
Orville Johnson
Conrad Wiggan
Paula-Anne Porter Jones
Rev. Jayson Downer
Ambassador Alison Stone-Roofe
Dr. Parris Lyew–Ayee, Jr
Errol Edwards
Educational Resources
Motorcycle safety capacity-building resources
- Community Leaders/Members
- Volunteers
- Civil society
- Employers
Frequently Asked Questions
NHWC Activities
Stay up to date with our upcoming activities
Road Fatalities Data
View road traffic fatalities
Media
Explore for news and updates on our coalition
Road Traffic Activity Report
Did you witness something interesting on the road? We’d love to see your traffic videos, especially those involving motorcyclists. Before uploading and sharing your video, please review the guidelines below to ensure your content meets our requirements.
Contact Us
Get in touch to partner or learn more about the Coalition
Tel: 876-926-1344, Ext. 2670
Email: helmetproject@jngroup.com