Bermuda’s road deaths reached double digits yesterday after two lives were lost in separate crashes within 24 hours.

The victims of both crashes are male, and the toll for the year has reached ten.

The grim milestone came after the Minister of National Security declared himself “deeply concerned” at the frequency of injuries and deaths on Bermuda’s roads.

Michael Weeks’s ministry confirmed that it was close to signing a contract to upgrade the island’s CCTV camera network, including speed-capturing technology that it hopes will help to improve road safety.

He spoke in the wake of a man losing his life yesterday morning after a crash on Malabar Road at the junction with Heydon Road, in Sandys.

The incident was followed by a second fatal crash last night in St David’s.

Mr Weeks said: “As national security minister, I am deeply concerned about the alarming frequency of road-traffic accidents.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims of road fatalities. We cannot overlook the devastating consequences these incidents have on individuals, families and our society as a whole.

“It is our collective responsibility to prioritise road safety and work together to foster a culture of responsible driving."

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Police Service said initial information suggested that at least one male was involved in the early-morning crash in the West End.

She added, about two hours after the incident: “The circumstances of the accident remain unclear as the victim had been conveyed to Port Royal Fire Station in a private motor car before being transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance.

“Despite life-saving efforts by EMTs, the male has succumbed to his injuries, making this the ninth reported fatal collision for 2023.”

Another death came at the opposite end of the island after a male rider was fatally injured at about 6.15pm in St George’s.

Police said that he died after his motorcycle crashed at the junction of Southside Road and Stocks Road.

A spokesman said that the rider appeared to have struck the kerb, getting thrown from the vehicle, while driving west on Southside Road.

He was treated at the scene by Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service personnel until the arrival of EMTs.

The man was taken by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead.

Police urged the public not to share footage of the victim at the scene on social media.

A spokesman said: “We are appealing to you to please have compassion for the family and loved ones of the deceased and not forward these images.

“Instead, should you receive these images, immediately delete them from your device.”

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash at Southside should call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, or use the main police number, 295-0011.

Anyone with information on the West End crash is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 — particularly those present at or around the time of the crash, or who may have rendered assistance.

Last year, the Government pledged $1 million to start upgrading the CCTV camera network.

In 2022, there were 11 road fatalities, six of which were in the first six months.

A spokesman for the Ministry of National Security said this week: “We are very close to signing the contract for the installation of CCTV devices around the island.

“We anticipate this installation to begin imminently and that they will be operational soon thereafter.

“CCTV devices are only one piece of the puzzle in improving driving habits on our roads and we are hopeful that they will prove to be useful in doing so.”

The system is used in a variety of police roles.

It assists in the reconstruction of crashes and helps police to trace vehicles.

The camera network also helps in the detection, deterrence and reconstruction of other criminal activity.

Shari-Lynn Pringle, of the road safety organisation A Piece of the Rock, said that the cameras should be a priority.

She said: “It's shocking that, less than six months into the year, ten people have lost their lives to road traffic incidents.

“A Piece of the Rock renews its call for the CCTV camera network to be upgraded.

“Last year, $1 million was budgeted for this. Where are we with it? Cameras alone will not solve the problem but they will slow people down, and speed remains a significant factor in the crashes we see.

“Additionally, we must all take responsibility for our actions and drive with the utmost care. People’s lives depend on it.”

A spokesman for the BPS said: “CCTV on its own will not impact the number of road traffic collisions since these incidents are in the main due to personal choice.

“We continue to urge the motoring public to slow down and to not operate any vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

Asked about the number of deaths on the road this year, he added: “The BPS are concerned whenever there is a road traffic collision, given the potential for serious injury or worse.

“When we examine causes, these incidents are preventable.

“Instances of impaired driving continue to climb. Motorists are taking unnecessary chances.”

He said that two police officers who were injured in crashes over the holiday weekend were recovering at home.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council did not respond to questions from The Royal Gazette.