Bermuda's rocketing road death toll rose once again yesterday, with a 46-year-old man killed in Southampton.

The cycle rider, whose name had not been released by the Police last night, is the ninth death so far this year compared to 13 in the whole of 2007. A Police spokesman said they were notified of the single-vehicle collision around 7.25 a.m, on Middle Road, Southampton, near Jew's Bay.

"It appears that an auxiliary cycle was traveling east on Middle Road when the rider, a 46-year-old Warwick man, lost control and collided with a pole. He was rushed to KEMH via ambulance, however, he was subsequently pronounced dead at 7:55 a.m by an on call physician at the hospital," said the spokesman.

The spokesman said last night it was too early to say what caused the accident. The news prompted Junior Transport Minister Wayne Caines to say on behalf of the Government: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Bermuda has recorded its ninth road fatality for the year.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. "We will remain steadfast in our goal to continue to educate the public. We will continue to emphasise personal responsibility on the road, specifically, requesting that the motoring public drive within the speed limit, 35K.

"We will encourage road users to refrain from using electronic devices whilst driving and riding. We will also implore motorists not to drink alcohol and drive."

Launching Road Safety Week last month, Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown said the need for new legislation to curb bad driving was being explored, although he doubted how much it would help when too many people ignore the current laws.

Last night, Sen. Caines said: "We will soon begin the legislative consultative process. We all must see this as a 'national crisis' and we all must work together to find a resolve. We must never give up."

Chairman of the Road Safety Council Roxanne Christopher said of the latest accident victim: "We extend our condolences to his family. It's a tragedy and I really pray for his family during this horrific experience they're going through.

"I don't know if he's a father or a husband but I know he definitely has family and friends and co-workers. It's a horrific tragedy. Unfortunately we have seen our ninth fatality in a matter of two and a half months. I really wish there were things we could all do to prevent this happening."

A meeting of the Road Safety Council was due to take place yesterday evening at the Heritage Worship Centre, Dundonald Street, Pembroke. It was postponed until 6 p.m on Wednesday May 21 due to forecasts of bad weather.

Ms Christopher urged the public - particularly those who have lost loved ones to road accidents - to attend next week and share their views on how to resolve the crisis.

If the trend so far continues, 2008 is on course to become one of Bermuda's worst ever years for fatal crashes. There were 13 per year in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The last time the Island suffered more road deaths in one calendar year was 1998, when 17 people lost their lives.