Road Safety Council chairman Dr. Joseph Froncioni yesterday made an appeal for taxi drivers to come out and work this weekend to prevent drink driving casualties.

The safe driving advocate said both he and Police expected a greater number of incidents on the roads over the Cup Match holiday, but said with common sense they could be prevented.

Dr. Froncioni said that if sufficient cabs were also on the roads people may not feel compelled to drive cars or ride bikes while over the alcohol limit.

"Maybe I should take this opportunity to urge members of the taxi industry to make themselves available this weekend, so if people are drinking, they can get home safely," Dr. Froncioni said to The Royal Gazette.

"People who work in the taxi industry can make a significant contribution to the community to ensure that people are safe on the roads. We need to give people an alternative, and one of the problems we have seen is often people find themselves in a predicament where they don't have an alternative or someone else driving them home. That is where problems can arise."

Dr. Froncioni spoke at a Press conference yesterday organised by Police to promote safety over the holiday weekend.

He said Bermuda seemed to be seeing an increase in road traffic accidents and poor behaviour on the roads, and said if people did sensible things, such as wearing helmets properly and their seatbelts, there would be fewer casualties.

Assistant Police Commissioner Carlton Adams said it was usual for people to go boating, camping and beaching this weekend, but said without caution and care, accidents could happen.

And he warned that Police would be out in force throughout the next four days looking for motorists who were over the drink drive limit and speeding.

"I wish to make the point that we have given our patrols instructions to be highly vigilant for speeders and persons who may be tempted to operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs and alcohol during this holiday period," said Mr. Adams.

"Emphasis will also be focussed on the owners and operators of marine craft.

"I would like to make an appeal to the motoring public to exercise both care, caution and common sense during this busy time to avoid a tragic accident."

Insp. Mark Bothello, of Marine Police, issued the same warnings to people out on the water this weekend, particularly small boats and jet ski operators who may travel close to the shoreline and swimmers.

He said: "There has been an increase in boating incidents so far this summer. I want to remind people of the five knot limit near the shore and to be careful where there are swimmers or children playing in the water."

And he said over the last two or three weeks there had been a number of emergency calls to Marine Police, primarily from people who had ran out of fuel.

He urged everyone to take the proper safety equipment out on the ocean with them.

And Insp. Bothello added: "And just remember, boozing and cruising don't mix."

He said Marine Police would be working into the early hours over the coming days, and said the unit would continue to educate both boat and jet ski operators on water safety, as well as stop those caught breaking regulations.

The Cup Match Classic will be held at Wellington Field in St. George's tomorrow and Friday. Parking will be available at Mullet Bay Park, Tiger Bay, Penno's Wharf, Market Wharf and St. George's Preparatory School field.