A round the clock offensive has been launched to make Bermuda's roads safer during the winter period.

The 24-hour traffic initiative will continue until further notice and aims to cut down on the number of accidents and violations.

It comes in the wake of a recent spate of fatalities on the Island's roads, which pushed the numbers killed this year to 17 -- a higher ratio than the UK or US.

Sixteen officers, astride high-powered motorcycles, will patrol roads and mount surveillance operations.

Senior officers hope the team will be expanded to send a stark message to offenders to curb their actions and adhere to the law.

The launch of the operation comes at the very heart of the crucial Christmas drink-drive period.

Chief Insp. Larry Smith, national Traffic Safety Coordinator, said the very presence of the motorcycles was a powerful factor in persuading motorists to curb their behaviour.

And he added the threat of a 24-hour showing on the roads would hopefully have a calming effect on some of the "crazy drivers''.

Inattention, poor road surfaces, driving too close to other vehicles, bad overtaking, pulling out at junctions and lack of experience are all main causes of accidents.

Coupled with overriding factors of speed and drink, the task force will bid to change that behaviour.

Although road fatalities have reached alarming levels this year, actual numbers of accidents may be loeer than last year.

In 1997 there were 2,453 recorded accidents, compared with 2,395 in the present year to date.

Speeding tickets peaked in July this year with 1,040 being handed out -- compared to a normal monthly total of 500.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome used the Motion to Adjourn at the end of yesterday's Parliament session to appeal for safer driving during the Christmas period.

He said: "I reiterate the call from the Transport Minister for people to be sensible when driving during the holiday.'' TRAFFIC TFC HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HOA