The National Road Safety Council, NRSC, has reiterated the importance of the pending implementation of the New Road Traffic Act and its attendant regulations to the government’s bid to reduce road crashes and fatalities.

The legislation is expected to come into effect next year February.

Since the start of this year, over 470 persons have died in crashes.

The latest accident occurred on Wednesday, along Braeton Boulevard, in St. Catherine.

An unidentified male pedestrian died from injuries sustained, after he was hit by a motor car.

NRSC Vice Chairman Dr. Lucien Jones expressed disappointment that the number of road fatalities recorded this year, are almost the same as last year.

However, he is hopeful that road safety initiatives to be implemented next year, will significantly impact crashes and fatalities.