Road safety warning after two deaths in a week
Road safety watchdogs today appealed for road users to put safety first.
Dennis Lister III, the chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, said: “In the last 24 hours we have seen an increase in road collisions.
“We ask – actually, we implore – motorists to drive and ride safer by reducing their speed, paying close attention to your driving and refrain from using electronic devices to minimise distractions.
“We all share our roads, therefore we must all do our part to make them safer.”
Mr Lister was speaking after two men died and several people were injured in a spate of road accidents earlier this week.
He offered his condolences to the families of the dead and said that the pain was “felt throughout the community”.
Mr Lister said this month’s road safety topic was “4 Wheels – 2 Wheels – 1 Road for Everyone“.
He said: “The BRSC chose this topic because, unlike other jurisdictions, Bermuda does not have the space for special lanes such as bus, cycle, or express lanes.”
Mr Lister added: “During this past year, we have noticed an increase in the number of pedal cyclists and pedestrians using our roads for recreation, fitness or training.”
He said pedestrians should be careful, particularly in low light conditions.
Mr Lister added road users on foot should wear reflective gear at dawn and dusk, walk facing oncoming traffic if possible and use sidewalks if available.
He said cyclists should wear helmets and make sure their machines were well-maintained and carried lights and reflectors.
Mr Lister reminded cyclists that they should ride in single file if necessary and never more than two abreast.
He added the UN’s Global Road Safety Week would run from May 17 to 23 and that the theme was speed awareness under the banner “Streets for Life” with a hashtag #Love 30.
Mr Lister thanked the many road users who drove with consideration for others.
He said: We ask entire motoring public to participate in making our roads safer by driving with care, caution and courtesy, reduce their speed and most importantly, don’t drink and drive.“
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