Police in MANCHESTER, Jamaica, are investigating the death of a motorcyclist following a reported crash on the Silent Hill main road in Manchester on Friday night.
The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Rockeish Hanson, otherwise called ‘Rocks,’ a pump attendant and resident of New Forest, Manchester.
Reports are that around 7:45 p.m., Hanson was riding a motorcycle on the main road when he lost control and crashed.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police have been unable to locate the motorcycle involved in the crash.
A police source reiterated the importance of road safety among motorcyclists.
“Of all the bike deaths that we have, none of them were wearing helmets. Recently, the Kiwanis Club donated helmets and motorcyclists, yet motorcyclists are still not wearing helmets,” the source said.
Road Safety Urged After 63% of August Fatalities Were Motorcyclists.
Twenty-four road users lost their lives in 21 fatal crashes during August, as reported by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).
This statistic indicates an eight percent decline in fatalities and a 19 percent reduction in fatal crashes compared to August 2023.
During the month, pedestrians constituted eight percent of those killed, while private motor vehicle drivers also represented eight percent.
It is significant to note that there were no fatalities among private motor vehicle passengers during this period.
Conversely, motorcyclists, recognized as some of the most vulnerable road users, comprised 63 percent of the fatalities in August.
The ITA also highlighted that males accounted for 83 percent of road fatalities, while women accounted for 17 percent.
The parishes of Trelawny and St Andrew each had a share of 21 percent of the road deaths, while Hanover and Westmoreland each accounted for 13 percent.
In total, 272 individuals have lost their lives in 233 fatal collisions since the beginning of the year, reflecting declines of 11 percent in fatalities and 18 percent in fatal crashes, respectively.