With the Police Traffic Division urging road users to be more careful on the nation's roadways, the latest statistics reveal an alarming increase in road accidents and fatalities.

A record 261 persons have died in 226 traffic accidents between January 1 and October 6 this year.

These figures are higher than those for the corresponding period last year, where there were 231 deaths from 206 accidents.

Also on the increase this year, is the number of pedal cyclists that have been killed in accidents.

A total of 23 cyclists have been killed since October 6, while only 16 had died in 2005.

The number of fatalities involving motorcyclists currently stands at 24, which is three more than the figure for the same period last year.

As it relates to public passenger vehicles, 23 persons who were travelling as passengers have been killed, while nine drivers were killed.

A further breakdown of figures also reveal that 32 persons were killed as they travelled as passengers in private motor cars, while 55 drivers of private motor cars were killed.

The majority of these figures represent steady increases from the previous year, and point to a disturbing trend.

Though most parishes have recorded at least one accident, St. Ann proves to be the parish that is most haunted by fatal accidents.

The parish has recorded a total of 24 accidents to date, and these have resulted in 29 deaths.

The St.Catherine North and Clarendon divisions, have also recorded high numbers, both having a total of 24 deaths.