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OBA: island's road deaths require a dedicated task force

The shadow transport minister, Susan Jackson, has called for a transport task force to be established to address the number of road fatalities. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Bermuda needs a “transport task force” to deal with the carnage on its roads after the eleventh road death this year.

The crash on Middle Road, near the entrance to the Belmont Hills Golf Course, claimed the life of a motorcycle rider just after 9.15pm on Friday.

Police said it appeared that the rider, heading east, attempted an overtake and collided with an oncoming car.

Susan Jackson, the shadow transport minister, said the island’s roads had claimed as many lives as were lost in 2022 — with five months still remaining in the year.

“Our hearts are broken and our prayers are many for the family and friends of our most recent victims on our roads.“

She added: “This island simply cannot lose any more lives on Bermuda’s roads.

“I’m pleading to the Government to do all that they can to stop the crisis we’re experiencing.

“Bermuda, as a community, we must do more to protect the safety of all road users, especially as we head into the biggest holiday of the year.

“We can no longer sit back and take a wait-and-see approach regarding this crisis on our roads.”

Ms Jackson said that encouraging drivers to pay attention, slow down or stop drinking and driving was “not enough“.

“Serious, tangible actions are needed to save lives.

“Thank you to the Bermuda Police and support services for their commitment to keeping the roads safe over the upcoming holiday weekend.”

She said the One Bermuda Alliance urged for the creation of “a transport task force to identify road hazards, review and enhance the Project Ride programme, consider stricter penalties, and prioritise introduction of CCTV speed detection and red light cameras”.

“The Government needs to find funding in order for the Bermuda Police Service to diligently monitor the roads and enforce road safety laws.

“We must influence changes to the behaviours on our roads and do all we can to reduce road fatalities in Bermuda.”

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Published July 31, 2023 at 7:58 am (Updated July 31, 2023 at 7:58 am)

OBA: island's road deaths require a dedicated task force

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