Bermuda’s roads have killed more than three times as many people as gun and gang violence since 2008, according to police.

Inspector Robert Cardwell, the officer responsible for the Roads Policing Unit, attributed the 92 road fatalities, versus the 29 gun and gang deaths, to a “bad driving culture” which permeates the Island.

Speaking at Hamilton Police Station yesterday, Mr Cardwell said collisions had claimed six lives since January — the lowest count since 2002.

He attributed the drop to the Bermuda Police Service’s road safety strategy, which was rolled out at the start of this year and has seen an increase in both enforcement and awareness initiatives.

“This year to date, 7,381 traffic offenders have been cited with court summonses for traffic offences and 2,941 minor traffic offenders have been issued with a Motorist Advice Notice,” he said, explaining that the notice means officers converse with motorists upon spotting less serious indiscretions.

fter delivering his Christmas road safety message, Mr Cardwell told The Royal Gazette that the police supported the idea of introducing speed cameras to the Island — a legislative change being looked at by the Bermuda Government.

He also expanded on the police’s difficulties in tackling Bermuda’s poor driving habits.

“We tried to identify what the problems are, and there isn’t anything singular that stands out,” he said.

“It’s not our 16-year-olds wreaking havoc on the roads and it’s not our senior citizens. It’s a combination of everybody.

“Driving isn’t taken as seriously as it should be, and it’s something we have to reverse.

“We need to change attitudes across the board,” he added, listing issues including dangerous driving, speeding, careless overtaking and impaired driving — which increases in frequency during holidays such as Christmas.

Anthony Santucci, the executive director of the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Cada), also spoke out at Hamilton Station yesterday, along with Carlton Crockwell, the chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council.

Mr Santucci reminded the public that Let Us Drive, Cada’s free Friday night transportation service from Reid Street, was offering a 1am pickup in addition to its usual 3.15am slot this Friday.

“Cada’s message is ABCD, always bus, cab and designated driver’,” he said.

“If you’re going out before midnight, please use public transportation.”