Transport Minister Dr.Ewart Brown yesterday pleaded with young people to drive carefully after two were killed in separate road tragedies within the space of a week.

While socialising was part of growing up, he urged parents to take the time to enquire what their children are doing at night.

Dr. Brown made the plea in the wake of the two deaths which happened after cars packed with young people crashed in single vehicle collisions.

Chioke (Bruiser) Spencer, 22, was killed on Middle Road, Southampton, on Monday night, and Troylisha Outerbridge, 19, died in the early hours of March 7 when a car veered off Shelly Bay field on North Shore Road.

"In the wake of two road fatalities which have robbed two families of precious young lives, I implore the young people of our Island to ride and drive responsibly," Dr. Brown said in the House of Assembly.

"Socialising in its various forms is an important part of being a young adult. However, young adults are still adults and responsible behaviour must accompany even good times with friends.

"I am disturbed that in each of the recent fatal accidents, persons under the age of 18 were in the vehicles that were involved.

"This speaks to a wider social concern of this Government and I would hope of the wider community.

"I urge Bermuda's parents to likewise play their part. No amount of laws, regulations and even ministerial statements can be of any effect if parents do not take responsibility for their children.

"My hope is that flowing from these tragic events, some parents will pause and move swiftly to re-enforce the standards of behaviour and responsibility that they have imparted to their sons and daughters."