It is no secret that Bermuda is in the grip of a serious traffic problem with some members of the motoring public, having little or no respect for basic traffic laws, which are designed to promote safety for all.

Most accidents involving death and serious injury on our roads are caused by excessive speed and reckless conduct while operating a vehicle.

However it should be pointed out that not every accident victim has violated traffic rules. There are numerous situations such as mechanical failure, and the question of vehicle control.

Taking to Bermudas roads today requires a very defensive approach, with extreme alertness in an effort to avoid becoming a statistic through someone else riding or driving in a reckless manner.

The Road Safety Council in a sense is almost powerless, because they do not make laws. While the Council is well meaning in its campaign to urge motorists to drive carefully, and obey traffic laws, there is little evidence that our roads are getting any safer.

Every single day, throughout the island, motorists can be observed overtaking in dangerous areas, with close calls and unbelievable escapes.

In fact last week while heading east I was approaching a curve in Warwick Middle Road when a cyclist moving at a fast clip without any warning pulled out to overtake a truck travelling west. It was much too close for comfort.

This type of madness is not restricted to young people either, who often are blamed for everything. Many adults who really should know better, take reckless chances up and down the island placing others in danger.

Some motorists even fail to stop for an emergency vehicle with the siren blasting. This is unacceptable, yet it happens practically every day. The Police cannot be everywhere, although they do their utmost to discourage such behaviour.

The big question is, how can the motoring public be jolted into complying with rules of the road. Perhaps it is time for legislators to consider stronger measures that might not be popular with motorists, but could drive home the message that there will be a heavy price to pay for reckless conduct on our roads.

Yes, a good portion of the motoring public comply with traffic laws. That must always be encouraged.

Words though good intentioned, are not enough to halt what seems like a growing wave of disrespect for our traffic laws by too many motorists.

Accidents will always be a factor anywhere, and this is accepted. However many traffic accidents could be avoided with greater focus on the various causes, with a view to seeking solutions. Too many lives and too many broken bodies should signal enough is enough.

Following every tragedy, and each incident is one too many, there is always a community outpouring of concern and cries to do something, only to have it fade when the story leaves the news circuit.

The story maybe over, but much of the pain afterwards is out of the publics view, but is very real to those affected.

Government and the community must act with urgency to make our roads safer. A closer examination of cell phone use while driving, and other distractions while operating a vehicle must be fully investigated to seek a deterrent strong enough to make motorists think twice, or maybe three times, before placing others in danger.

Bermuda needs to come to grips with this traffic madness without further delay, but this can only be achieved through a combined all out effort from Government, the community and the Police.

Time is not on our side. The clock is ticking. We need to act now.