The Devonshire road where an unidentified pedestrian was killed by a suspected drunk driver is used as a "racing strip", according to local MP Walter Roban.

The victim sustained serious injuries when he was struck by a car at 1.15 a.m. on Saturday near the Mid Atlantic Boat Club on North Shore Road.

He later died in hospital, and the Police were still working yesterday to find out who he was and trace his family.

The man is described as dark-skinned, of stocky build, approximately 30 to 50 years old. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, beige or khaki pants and new black and white Adidas sneakers at the time of the accident. The Police believe he may frequent the area.

The car driver, a 27-year-old Hamilton Parish man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of impaired driving and causing death by dangerous driving. He was later released on Police bail. The death is the fourth on Bermuda's roads this year.

Mr. Roban, who represents the Pembroke East constituency where it occurred, said: "This is another traffic tragedy on our roads and a sign of what has been an unfortunate trend of accidents. At this point I don't know all the facts as to the circumstances and I look forward to hearing a more complete report from the Police about what actually happened.

"I have in the past spoken to residents of that strip in front of the club and many have expressed their concerns that it's sometimes used as a bit of a racing strip by riders and drivers. They've been very concerned about road safety and I've spoken to the Works and Engineering Minister [Derrick Burgess] about some changes that might make it safer sidewalks and such.

"He's been very receptive about some of the things we can do.

"I look forward to working with Works and Engineering to get some movement. This accident has certainly brought it to the forefront."

There are no sidewalks at the collision scene just east of the boat club, but there is a sign warning drivers to look out for pedestrians. Mr. Roban could not recall any other serious accidents there lately, but said parents of children who catch the bus to school are particularly concerned.

He added: "While I have spoken to Works and Engineering about sidewalks, it's a challenge as we're dealing with private landowners in the areas where there's houses. Them giving up land is something that would be required."

Mr. Roban appealed for witnesses to the collision to call the Police with information, and drivers to exercise caution on the Island's roads.

"Personal responsibility is first and foremost," he noted. " I don't know who the family of the victim is, no one knows his identity, but I certainly express my condolences to whoever that is."

Meanwhile, Acting Minister of Tourism and Transport Zane DeSilva said: "On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim. For someone to have lost his life in this tragic manner is deeply troubling. We support the Bermuda Police Service as they investigate this unfortunate incident and hope that justice will be served."

¦ Police appealed for witnesses or anyone with information on the identity of the victim to contact PC Shem Obeius on 295-0011.