Bermuda's roads claimed their 17th victim of 2008 yesterday – making this year the worst in a decade for such fatalities.

A 19-year-old man from Pembroke died as the result of a two-motorcycle collision on Cavendish Road, Pembroke, around 12.45 p.m.

Even before the latest tragedy, Bermuda ranked among the worst of the world's developed countries for road fatalities.

With concerns again raised yesterday over how to tackle the crisis, Police and campaigners pledged that new plans – including recommendations for speed cameras and random sobriety checks – will be announced within weeks.

The Police had not officially released the name of yesterday's victim by press time last night, as they were still notifying next of kin. The Royal Gazette has opted not to publish the name out of respect for the family.

The circumstances of the collision, near the junction with Hibiscus Lane, also remained under investigation. A Police spokesman stated only that:"It appears that two motorcycles were traveling in opposite directions when they collided". No information was released on the condition of the second rider.

Eyewitness Kieran Evans, 17, told The Royal Gazette he was riding into town when a man on a black motorcycle overtook his bike and then a car in front of him.

"Then a guy on a silver bike was coming from town and tried to swerve away to get out of the way but then it was too late so the guy ended up hitting him straight on," he said. "The silver bike spun way down the road and hit me off my bike. The guys landed where they hit. They both collided and dropped off their bikes. "

Mr. Evans, a Berkeley Institute student, walked away with just grazes although his bike suffered damage.

Prior to yesterday's accident, Bermuda had already suffered fatalities for 2008 equating to 23 per 100,000 people, which is among the worst in the world. By comparison, Malta had 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people, the best of around 50 countries considered in a 2004 study, the United Kingdom had 5.3, Canada had 8.5 and the US had 14.5.

This year's death toll is the worst since 1998, when the same number of people lost their lives. A total of 117 people have died as a result of road collisions since the start of 1997, the majority involving motorcycles.

At a joint press conference held by the Police, the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (CADA) and the Road Safety Council yesterday afternoon, Police Superintendent James Howard said discussions are taking place regarding new measures such as speed cameras and stop-checks on the roads to ensure motorists are not drinking and driving.

"The Commissioner or Acting Commissioner will be having a press conference in the first two weeks of the year," he revealed. Acting Road Safety Officer David Minors explained that his organisation has been working on a strategic plan, set to be revealed at the end of January, which includes recommendations on legislative changes, speed cameras and sobriety checks.

Mr. Santucci extended condolences to the family of the latest road victim, and also to Police Commissioner George Jackson, whose son Andrew died on Christmas Day from injuries sustained in a traffic collision days earlier."

Another family is grieving today as they learn their loved one has not lived to see 2009...as a community we can no longer sit idly by, shake our heads and do nothing. Now is the time for action," he said.

All three organisations urged members of the public to refrain from drinking and driving, with Mr. Santucci pointing out that CADAhas a free Let Us Drive service operating tonight for New Year's Eve. Taxis leave from Reid Street, outside the L.O.M building, from 3.15 a.m to 3.45 a.m.

Superintendent Howard said Police will mount a high visibility operation across the Island through tonight and tomorrow morning, taking a "zero tolerance" stance on instances of anti-social behaviour and bad driving.

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs David Burch also extended his condolences to the families of the two most recent victims.

"As the Minister responsible for public safety, I do believe that there needs to be swift and immediate action in reclaiming control of our roads. And action in that regard has indeed commenced to stop the carnage on our roads. To be clear, this Government considers road safety a priority and will do all that it can to ensure that the rules of our roads are upheld," he said.

"I must stress however that no amount of legislation, policy changes or increased Police presence on our roads will replace personal responsibility. Of the 17 fatal collisions so far this year, the majority of the vehicles involved were motorcycles. Other factors involved in fatal collisions generally include speed and/or driving while impaired.

"So, it is with this in mind as we approach the eve of a new year that I join the Bermuda Police Service in urging the motoring public to drive with care, caution and courtesy when travelling on our roads. We are ending the year on a somber note, and it is my sincere hope that we can enter the New Year with a renewed commitment to driving responsibly."

Shadow Minister for Transportation Michael Fahy said: "I once again urge the adoption of measures that have proven to work in other countries – spot checks for breathalyser testing, speed cameras, speed bumps, centre line reflectors and greater Police presence and stronger penalties for careless driving. It is time for the entire community to stand up and say enough is enough."

Road safety campaigner Dr. Joseph Froncioni said that in his view, enforcement of the current rules of the roads is the key. He called for more Police officers on the streets to enforce the current speed limits and watch out for drink drivers.

"At times there are as few as three guys patrolling the roads," he said.