Making Roads Safer in Jamaica: Rewarding Good Drivers
Jamaica has a big problem with accidents on the road. In 2024, 364 people died in car accidents - almost one person every day. Even though the government gives fines and takes away driver’s licenses for breaking the rules, people are still driving badly. Is there another way to help people drive safely?
Instead of just punishing bad drivers, what if we rewarded the good ones?
What about Incentives?
In this case, drivers could be given rewards for driving safely. Just like how we get prizes or rewards in school for doing well, good drivers could get special treats for following the road rules. This could help make driving safer for everyone.
Rewarding safe drivers could help in four important ways:
Reinforcing Positive Driving Habits
Rewarding safe drivers encourages them to continue practicing good habits, ensuring that safe driving remains consistent and not just occasional.
Inspiring Other Road Users to Change
When others see rewards for good driving, they may be motivated to improve their own behavior, creating a shift toward safer driving overall.
Building a Culture of Road Safety
By celebrating good driving, we create a community mindset where safety is valued, not just for avoiding punishment but as a positive choice.
Shifting the Focus to Driver Rewards
Instead of only focusing on punishing bad behavior, rewards offer a positive alternative that motivates drivers to act responsibly, making safety the preferred choice.
Insurance Rewards Already Helping
Some insurance companies already offer rewards to drivers who follow the rules.
- BCIC Jamaica gives discounts on car insurance to bus and taxi drivers who have a clean driving record. This means the driver gets a lower cost for their car insurance if they’ve been driving safely for years.
- Through "Pay As You Drive", IronRock Insurance uses a telematics device to track driving behaviour. If a driver is careful and safe, they get money back from their insurance.
- JN General Insurance wants to reward drivers who use dash cams in their cars. Dash cams help show what happens on the road if there’s an accident, which helps drivers prove they weren’t at fault.
More Ways to Reward Safe Drivers
Jamaica could add more ways to reward good drivers.
Discounts on Gas
If drivers have a clean record, they could get discounts on buying gas or using toll roads.
Special Recognition for Good Drivers
Drivers who are always safe could get a special sticker on their car or be listed on a good driver board. This would make them feel proud of being safe on the road.
Lower Car Fees
Drivers who drive safely could pay less money for things like car licenses and fitness fees.
Instead of only punishing drivers who break the rules, Jamaica could try rewarding the drivers who do things the right way. By offering rewards for safe driving, the country could make roads safer and even help drivers save money and lives. What do you think? If you were a driver, would you drive safer to get rewards?
