Bermuda needs more sophisticated data collection and analysis after traffic accidents, according to the chairman of the Road Safety Council.

Dr. Johnson spoke out after reviewing the latest Police statistics, released last week for the period spanning April to June.

They revealed that traffic collisions increased from 508 in the first three months of the year to 626 in the second six months.

There were four fatal collisions over the course of April, May and June double the number of the same period last year. There were also 47 serious traffic collisions, compared to 27 for that period last year.

However, Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva said: "The long term trend of traffic collisions is decreasing. The second quarter total of 626 is below the ten-year average of 740."–Commenting on the news, Dr. Johnson said: "This data illustrates the need for more sophisticated information and tools for analysis. The Bermuda Road Safety Council has been advocating for a Road Trauma Registry, which is a very powerful tool required by Level One Trauma Centres in the US, to monitor trauma and injury-related traffic collision trends.

"We have been working with KEMH on getting this type of statistical monitor in place and we hope that this can be realised in the near future."

Dr. Johnson explained this would help calculate the cost of medical care for injury-related collisions, as well as the loss of income and long term disability.

He continued: "We really cannot say much about this relatively recent rise over the last quarter. The data does suggest that the overall trend since 1985 is that collisions are down and I think that this is very indicative of the work that the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Road Safety Council, CADA and the Ministry of Transport has done to decrease collisions and injuries on the roads of Bermuda."

The statistics show Police issued more than 13,000 tickets for traffic and parking offences in the second quarter up six percent on last year.

However, Anthony Santucci of the CADA campaign to encourage responsible drinking, said more action is needed.

"While CADA is pleased and commends the Bermuda Police Service for a six percent increase compared to this time last year in road traffic enforcement activity, more is still needed."–He said CADA particularly supports the use of random stop-checks to breath-test drivers as is done in the UK and Canada.

"When these checkpoints have been set up in other jurisdictions, and the public have been given ample notice in advance that the checks will be taking place, there has been a significant reduction in the number of alcohol-related road collisions and fatalities," he said.