A man paralysed in an accident caused by his own dangerous riding is to head a new organisation promoting road safety.

Jason Minors was "dangerously speeding" near Francis Patton Primary School when he came off his motorbike, landed on a railing and broke his spine.

Paralysed since that 2006 accident, the 26-year-old is now to travel the Island speaking on behalf of the Bermuda Road Safety Junior Council, to help drive home the message that poor road use can lead to serious injury and death.

"I want them to understand the consequences of accidents when it comes to riding and driving on the road, realising life is so precious so they all need to take their time," he explained.

"I was dangerously speeding in Hamilton Parish. When I turned the corner by Francis Patton, there was a van in front of me, in order to avoid hitting it I swerved and hit the sidewalk, landing on a railing which broke my spine."

Internal bleeding left him close to death.

However he survived, but "as a result, I was paralysed from the waist down, causing me to be wheelchair-bound for the rest of my life."

The new organisation was created by the Bermuda Road Safety Council in order to better get its message across to those most often involved in road traffic accidents – young black males between the ages of 18 and 24.

"The hope is that a council of their peers will be more effective at explaining the perils of dangerous riding.

As part of that, Mr. Minors is taking his tale public, sharing it with schools and organisations and promoting safe road habits in the media.

"I am a fighter," the Hamilton Parish resident said. "I didn't give up. But all this could have been avoided if I took more precaution while riding.

"The doctor told my parents I will never walk again but I am determined to walk again and have started to get some sensation in my legs, which I hope is a good thing."

He spent five months abroad, undergoing back surgery and rehabilitation, and admits he relied heavily on family support.

"This whole ordeal has also had an impact on my family. They had to adjust to find ways to take care of me without interrupting their work schedule. Also, I have to have nurses come to my house to bathe and care for me."

Sports are a great miss, admits the once avid enthusiast.

"I miss running and playing football. Everybody knew me as 'that guy who ran'.

"To know that I could never do that again really had an impact on me 'cause it was something I really liked to do.

"At the time of my accident I was working at Warwick Esso Station. My injuries left me without a job (although) I am now working with the road safety council.

"People have two choices when it comes to life, it's simple – live or die.

"I'm thankful that I was able to live and I want that for every road user – to live."

In response to the 17 road fatalities last year and the one earlier this month, Mr. Minors said: "Those numbers were surprising and crazy, I think to myself every time – that could have been me.

"Young men just don't think about consequences and they think it will never happen to (them).

"I know sometimes it may not be their fault, but they need to learn to look out for themselves and other motorists."

He added: "My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a family member.

"To those families and victims of road accidents who are currently suffering like me, keep your faith in God and think positive."