Bad traffic conditions seem to go in waves which may be governed by varying levels of Police activity and by the publicity surrounding serious traffic accidents. At least, that seems to be the route where young people are concerned.

Where adults are concerned, the pattern is less easy. Who could explain an adult speeding along with a young child perched in front of them? They should, of course, be charged for endangering the child. Who could explain a parent who knowingly assists an under-age young man to ride a moped? That parent should also be charged with aiding. But then, who can explain the drivers who pass on blind corners expecting other road users to clear space for them if they have to pull in? We were interested last week in the unknowing remark of a visitor that Bermuda's speed limit is 35 mph. That visitor had doubtless obtained his facts from the reality on our roads.

It may be that we need to start with driver education at an early age rather than simply passing tested people onto the roads. Competence with a machine is necessary but so is an understanding of road usage. The need for proper road usage is magnified in a small Country with crowded roads. If driver education resulted in people no longer stopping traffic by double parking to chat, it would be a big help.

One reader suggested a Citizen's Road Watch Programme with a three-digit "hot line'' so that road users can report other road users. Wide publicity would be provided to alert offenders to the possibility that they might be reported. In that way people could be discouraged from bad behaviour. Would it work? The Police Crime Stoppers number seems to work.

Taking away the vehicle is a real threat, especially to young people, and it may, in the end, be a solution. Young people hate to "lose their wheels'' and if the vehicle belongs to the parents, then they might be a good deal more concerned about how their children behave on the roads for fear of losing the vehicle.

We remain convinced that a traffic squad, Bermuda Road Patrol, removed from the Police Service but including the traffic wardens, could be the answer. The traffic wardens should be required first to give tickets to double parkers who stop traffic flow. A group devoted to traffic, with no other distractions, and equipped with the latest in speed detectors and noise checks might be very effective. By all means ask the public for any help it might give. Right now it might give a great deal of help because it is angry. If a "hot line'' would help, then let's have it. The public might also agree that impounding vehicles is an answer.

An independent traffic squad would remove pressures from the Police Service and allow that body to get on with crime and drugs. Right now we are in danger of a backlash. Other places are suffering from "road rage'' provoked by poor conditions and bad driving. If that ever comes to Bermuda, and most things do come to Bermuda, the roads will be a nightmare.