“If you must drink, please don’t drive”, is the plea of Maceo Dill, whose cousin was killed in a road traffic accident earlier this year.

Bermuda footballer Tokia Russell became the island’s sixth of 11 road fatalities in 2016 when his motorcycle collided with a car on Middle Road, near the junction with Berwyn Hill in Paget, on June 22.

There has been no suggestion that Mr Russell’s death was connected to drink-driving.

However, Mr Dill told The Royal Gazette: “There should be zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Alcohol-related accidents and alcohol-related deaths have been at a high.”

Mr Dill said his cousin’s death ­had deeply impacted his family, adding that they were devastated to lose him at such an early age.

He noted that Mr Russell had been the oldest of four brothers and a father of three and said it had been tough for his family to adjust, especially celebrating their first Christmas without him.

“If you must drink, please don’t drive,” he added. “I wish everybody a healthy and safe new year.”

This year saw four more deaths on the roads than 2015, with the 11 fatalities meaning the total number of road traffic fatalities in the past decade is 114. Figures from the Bermuda Hospitals Board show that up to the end of November this year, 1,434 people had attended the emergency department for treatment after a road collision.

And 32 accident victims were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, while 156 victims were admitted to the Acute Care Wing after a road traffic accident during the same time. Erica Rance Mill, chairwoman of the Road Safety Council, said: “These figures are the very numbers that drive us to continue with our mandate despite the limited budget.

“We truly believe that education is key, and have stepped up our efforts to reach the next generations of drivers and riders.”

She said the RSC had visited schools and started the Junior Road Safety Council up again — two initiatives aimed at ensuring the next generation have road safety on the forefront of their minds as they ride and drive.

In addition to the formation of the junior council, she said this year’s biggest accomplishments also included promoting their message at Cup Match, presenting to Berkeley Institute students on their first day back to school, forming relationships with the Bermuda Hospitals Board, and making “some inroads” with the discussions around roadside breath testing.

“As long as there are deaths and serious injuries on the road then we will need to continue to do all that we can to reverse the numbers,” she added.

“As we head into the new year, we encourage all road users to think before they enter the roads. One small act could make all the difference in whether they arrive at their next destination unharmed.”