Police are declaring zero tolerance on speeders and other traffic violators as they plug the road safety message following three recent road deaths.

Speed lasers were set up yesterday afternoon and Police also took the media out onto Bermuda's roads to highlight some of their concerns about driving habits.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said: "People can expect to see lasers out at any time of the day. We are trying to stamp out road lawlessness."

Traffic Unit Inspector Chris Spencer said: "The attitude on the street has changed. People aren't as courteous as they used to be. They rely too much on the other person allowing them to complete their manoeuvre.

"Motorcycle riders actually expect the oncoming traffic to move out of their way and if it doesn't they have a problem with that.

"Relying on the opposing vehicle to allow you to complete your manoeuvre is very poor riding."

Inattention accounts for 60 percent of road collisions said Insp. Spencer.

Cell phones are another distraction, as are in-car music or even having a conversation.

Those who shove phones in their helmets are more likely to suffer neck injuries if they crash because their straps are looser.

"Hopefully it's a trend which will die out and people will use earplugs. The helmet should not rock back on your head."

Often drivers follow vehicles too closely. Drivers should pass landmarks two seconds after the vehicle in front ? or four if it is wet, said Insp. Spencer.

Impatience about increasing traffic jams is no excuse for bad driving said Insp. Spencer.

"Why not just leave home earlier? You know the situation exists so make adjustments.

"People are in a hurry going nowhere in Bermuda. It's only 21 square miles. Where are they going? It's a societal problem, not just a traffic thing.

"Everyone is suffering from a change in attitudes ? it just reveals itself on the street.

"People need to be educated about the 'what ifs'.

"If I overtake on a blind corner what if a bus is coming or large vehicle?"

Safe riding was about envisaging the worst case scenario rather than hoping for the best each time, said Insp. Spencer.

He said it is too easy to get a licence because people are not tested on driving theory.

"We cannot change the topography of the Island. We only have so much space. The only thing we can change is riding skills.

"We need driver education in schools. We have to deal with the people."

He said the Project Ride programme which teaches children about road skills was good.

But he added: "It could be better because it could be compulsory. It's voluntary ? there are still a lot of teenagers slipping through the cracks."

The statistics show pillion passengers are more at risk than riders in collisions.

Two American tourists were recently killed while riding hire bikes. Insp. Spencer said tourists didn't come across buses or large trucks when trying out bikes.

"There's a distinct possibility they can encounter a vehicle which will cause them to become nervous," he said.