Without proper care and courtesy of Bermuda’s roads, operating vehicles can become extremely dangerous. Last year, there were 13 deaths in motorcycle-related accidents.

In 2005, Police statistics revealed a total of 2,934 collisions of which 1,578 involved bike riders who suffered some degree of injury.

Matthew Greenslade, a young Smith’s man, survived a near-fatal accident on Labour Day morning in 2002. He and his best friend Alex Styche were on Matthew’s Suzuki 100 bike heading west along Harbour Road when they collided with a wall and telephone pole just past Darrell’s Wharf.

Both young men sustained serious injuries, but while Alex, the passenger, was released from hospital three days later, Matthew’s rehabilitation is still ongoing.

The Mid-Ocean News<$> caught up with Matthew, now 24, at the Olympic Club where for the past two years he has undergone vigorous strength training.

His personal trainer, Burnell Williams, proudly declares that Matthew’s progress has been truly amazing: “Not only has Matthew’s walking improved, but the daily workout has also given him purpose in life.”

Matthew reflects on his volunteering at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) and the Windreach Recreational Village.

“Helping them is helping me. It keeps me going,” he says.

It is not unusual for an accident survivor to want to warn the public about the dangers of speeding or reckless driving, and Matthew is no different.

“Our roads can be very dangerous,” he says pointedly.

What Matthew finds hardest to explain is the physical, emotional and financial roller coaster his family has been on since the accident. He was in a coma for seven weeks and spent almost a year in and out of various hospitals in the US.

Since his return to Bermuda, he has undergone hundreds of hours of physical and occupational therapy.

“When I woke up I didn’t even recognise my parents,” he explains sadly. “I also have other mental problems I need help for.”

As a result of the traumatic experience, Matthew developed obsessive compulsive disorder: “My mind is still trying to put things back together. It’s like a puzzle.”

As for the accident, the survivor says he cannot remember anything about that morning and says he would much rather put it behind him and focus on the future. His plans include starting a career and he reveals his passion for computers and figures.

“The mathematical kind,” he adds with a chuckle.

Matthew is adamant to keep moving and going to the gym every day is part of this pledge.

“It helps me keep fit and in control of my body.

“At home I don’t move enough, but here I move all the time and I’ve made good friends,” he declares, waving to two fellow weightlifters who cheer him on.

Matthew’s recovery has been described by those who know him as miraculous, but he attributes it to hard work.

“It’s baby steps... one day at a time.”