WITH 10 days left in the year and fatalities at 244, the Road Safety Unit (RSU) in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing is optimistic their elusive under-300 target will be achieved.

"We are hoping that number will stay below the 250 mark," Kenute Hare, RSU director, told Auto.

"But nothing will stop our efforts from keeping the figure below 300," he continued.

The director was quick to laud the police for their untiring commitment in assisting the RSU in achieving its mandate.

"Senior Superintendent of Police Radcliffe Lewis and his team played a significant role in our quest. We are happy for the commitment they displayed islandwide, especially in monitoring areas designated as hot spots," he said.

Hare used the opportunity to urge road users to be extremely careful during the Yuletide season.

"The months of November and December are usually associated with festivities. However, we are urging drivers to observe the speed limits, not to consume an excessive amount of alcohol, as well as to be mindful of other people that use the roads. I'm also imploring pedestrians to be very careful," he said.

"Please, stay safe," he continued.

Launched in 2008, the Below 300 Campaign is an initiative launched by the National Road Safety Council and is geared at keeping road fatalities below the 300 mark. However, this has not been achieved since 1999, when there were 295 deaths. Last year, the toll was 307.