Premier Ewart Brown has issued a sombre appeal for motorists to exercise safety.

Dr. Brown, also Minister of Tourism and Transport, was speaking during the launch of Road Safety Week by the Road Safety Council, together with Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Jackman.

Yesterday marked the start of Road Safety Week which is being observed through Sunday.

"I'm reminded most strikingly of the three deaths that occurred in the same week not long ago," say Dr. Brown of the three crash related deaths last week. "While that kind of occurrence is an anomaly, it cannot be ignored.

"Road safety has certainly garnered our urgent attention at the Government; I hope it also has the urgent attention of every Bermudian.

"We now must decide what we will do in the wake of these tragedies. One approach is new legislation. Many have already suggested the need. It is being explored."

However, the Premier was doubtful that mere legislation was the answer to ensuring safety and reducing the death rate on the Island's roads.

"I am compelled to tell you that I don't know how much new legislation will help our current situation," he said.

"I believe so many of our road tragedies happen not because of legislation, but in spite of it.

"Legislation requires that we wear seat belts, too often it is ignored. Legislation carries stiff penalties for those who drive legally drunk, yet it still happens.

"Legislation outlines a specific speed limit for our roads, yet drivers routinely drive too fast. This is why I believe this year's Road Safety Week is a critical moment for us as a country.

"We must use this week to remind ourselves that it is crucial to respect the laws of the road and acknowledge that personal choice is the true driving force when you operate a motor vehicle.

"And, we must use this week to remember that getting there alive is far more important than arriving on time."

During the news conference, Dejon Simmons, who was burned beyond recognition in a bike crash in 2004, was there on behalf of the Road Safety Council to drive home the message of safety to his fellow young people.

Mr. Simmons, who was just 17 at the time of his horrific accident, which resulted in him receiving burns to 90 percent of his body, said: "When a lot of young people go on the internet to communicate, specifically on MSN Messenger, you've got friends with (slogans) like 'rest in peace'.

And they have a list of their friends that have died (from road accidents).

"It makes me sick to see that — some people have five or six names. Yeah, we have to make time when we're riding to places, but there's no way we should risk it all, by not buckling your helmet.

"Even if you're going out to the clubs, make sure you have someone responsible with you or use a taxi to get home. There's no way these young people should be dying — it's too many."

Again addressing young people between the ages of 16 to 25, Road Safety officer Roxanne Christopher said the Council has been vigorously trying to relay the consequences of dangerous riding.

She revealed: "Year in and year out, it's the 31- to 50-year-olds that are causing most of the crashes.

"But it's our 16- to 25-year-olds that are either losing their lives or becoming permanently maimed due to a preventable crash.

"Once again, it's your choice, choose life. This is the message of the Road Safety Council. All of these crashes that we are having can be prevented and avoided."

She added: "Sometimes there are worse things than death and there are more difficult things that we have to undergo. So please, parents, talk to your children, families; love each other because at the end of the day you have more impact on what your peers and family members do."

Assistant Commissioner Jackman emphasised a need for education on road safety and unsafe behaviour, through law enforcement.

"The results of the number of fatalities that occurred during the last two weeks have required that the Police Service actually look at how we deploy our resources," he admitted.

Last weekend, he highlighted the results of a high Police visibility throughout the Island.

"Last Friday evening we issued 73 tickets for various offences, 53 of those were for speeding.

"There were a number of people who were clocked at speeds above 80 kilometres. Nowadays, the norm for speeding offences isn't 51 or 52 kilometres anymore. It's now in the 70s and 80s, our officers are finding.

"And on the Saturday night, we had a number of high speeds around the city and issued 46 speeding tickets.

"But the highest of these speeds was 103 kilometres — that is the level that we have with people riding on our roads."

• Meanwhile, CableVision announced yesterday that it will be closing at noon today in honour of former staffer Katina Simmons and to allow other staff members to attend her funeral.

Ms Simmons, 23, of Sandys died last week after suffering serious head injuries when her car overturned and struck a wall days before.

Ms Simmons worked as a barmaid in The Robin Hood Pub, in Hamilton and also for Bermuda CableVision. Terry Roberson, general manager of CableVision said: "Katina Simmons was a highly personable friend and colleague and will be deeply missed. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at CableVision are with Katina's family during this very difficult time."