More than 100 crash victims in hospital each month
More than 100 road crash victims have to be treated in hospital every month, it was revealed in Parliament today.
Kim Wilson, the health minister, told MPs that more than 3,760 people were admitted to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for traffic incident-related injuries between 2023 and 2025.
She said that one in ten of those who go to hospital are admitted for acute care, staying an average of seven days.
“Others suffered head injuries, spinal injuries, fractures and other forms of trauma with long-lasting consequences,” the minister said.
“Tragically, some did not survive.”
Ms Wilson added: “Behind every statistic is a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbour — someone whose life has been altered.
“These accidents result in physical pain, emotional distress, financial hardship and, in some cases, long-term disability.
“For parents, partners and children, the consequences extend far beyond the hospital walls.”
She added that people aged between 18 and 35 made up more than 40 per cent of all crash-related hospital admissions and that many were young men.
“These are young adults in the prime of their lives, many of whom are just entering the workforce, pursuing higher education or starting families,” Ms Wilson added.
“When they are injured, it affects not only their own future but the stability of the households they support.”
The minister said: “The findings of this three-year analysis make it clear that a co-ordinated response, which includes all stakeholders, is needed.
“Road safety is not solely a transportation issue. It is a public health issue. It is a family issue. And it is a community issue.
“The impact of road traffic collisions is felt not just in the emergency department but in living rooms, workplaces and classrooms across Bermuda.”
She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with “our partners in public safety, transportation and community organisations to reduce preventable injuries, support emergency responders and ensure that families receive the care and assistance they need”.
Dwayne Robinson, the Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport, asked if the Ministry of Health would be assisting with the National Road Safety Plan.
Ms Wilson confirmed that it would.
David Burt, the Premier, said later that road safety on the island remained a challenge, but that legislation would soon be tabled to bring speed cameras into use
He added: “Every time when we come to a holiday, we will stand here and we will advocate for better road use. One way to do that is making sure that we act through technology.
“I expect when the House comes back, we will have legislation to consider from the Ministry of National Security in regard to the speed camera system that is to be deployed because there needs to be a legislative underpinning.
“I expect support from both sides of the House on that.”
Ben Smith, the Opposition leader, urged the public to be mindful while driving, stating that the behaviour on the island’s roads has to change.
He told MPs: “The statistics laid out for us earlier today are concerning but that concern has been going on for far too long. These are not new numbers.
“We have to challenge our community to change the way that they are behaving on the roads.
“We have to challenge each other, because there are times that all of us may be driving a bit too fast, maybe not behaving in a way that we know we should, and what has happened is over a period of time that behaviour has become the norm instead of the exception.”
• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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