When an aircraft slips into a tailspin, unless it is a professionally performed stunt usually seen at air shows, it could be a clear indication that something has gone dreadfully wrong, and that the outcome without the ability to recover will not be positive.

Many of our current traffic problems that persist year after year, despite pleas for the public to slow down and drive more carefully, leaves one with the impression that the traffic issue could very well be in a tailspin, and unless something dramatic is done soon the picture ahead is not going to be very bright.

With every loss of life on our roads, questions proliferate on the Island over whether enough is being done to promote the highest safety standards by all motorists when they take to the roads.

With each victim, irrespective of circumstances, the loss affects families and indeed the entire community.

The big question is: can we as a community do anything about it, or is that tailspin too far out of control to make a correction?

Hopefully, after recent road tragedies, there will be more than pleas to send a sharp warning to all motorists that the bar for safety and obeying traffic rules will be raised, with stiffer penalties for those who choose to operate in a manner that puts themselves and others at risk.

Along with any new legislation there is also an increasing concern about hostile behaviour by some motorists who show little regard for others. That must stop,

Not all accidents are attributed to disregard for safety rules, but it is generally accepted that speed and often some form of intoxication play a role in affecting the ability to drive or ride with the highest degree of control.

Here in Bermuda, and indeed around the world, drivers and riders have caused tragic accidents as a direct result of having their concentration thrown off balance by an indulgence in substances that affect the mind, or perhaps by a hostile attitude that slips over the edge.

It is important to stress that one should never conclude that these are reasons for every accident.

There are countless accidents that have nothing to do with disrespecting rules, or being under the influence of any substance, which could include legal drugs.

Those who drive or ride to work daily are quite familiar with that third lane, created by riders and the amazing juggling for lead positions at traffic lights. It is nothing short of incredible that there is not a major incident every day. No need to purchase a ticket to see daredevils perform. A free show is provided daily on our roads with close calls by those who resent anyone being in front of them.

Even going for a Sunday afternoon drive these days means one should be as alert as an airline pilot when negotiating various curves because speeders take no holidays.

The current traffic problem is obviously a major concern for emergency vehicles, especially when some motorists are reluctant to stop, despite the siren going at full blast.

Police have their hands full trying to catch as many violators as possible in a quest to keep our roads safe.

However, they cannot be everywhere at once, and without full cooperation from the motoring public not much will change in the months ahead.

The vehicle can be a wonderful form of transportation when used properly, but it can also be a lethal weapon when mishandled.

As long as there are motorists there will be accidents.

This is not a perfect world. But there would be fewer mishaps with heightened sensitivity — safety first should be the main principle for everyone young and old, before turning the ignition key. There is a long road ahead to achieve that goal, but it can be reached with an islandwide education drive to reverse a trend that is making our roads a nightmare, instead of a wonderful way to enjoy our natural beauty.