Roadside breath testing would help address the Island's culture of drinking and driving, according to the head of the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

The Road Safety Council has recommended mandatory pedal cycle helmets, mandatory Alcoholics Anonymous for driving while impaired offenders and random roadside sobriety checks as ways of cutting down the number of deaths and injuries on the Island's roads. Last year 17 people died.

Government has said that deterrents such as sobriety checks had to be researched thoroughly first as they could be unconstitutional.

But CADA chairman Anthony Santucci said his organisation strongly supported the Police in setting up roadside sobriety checkpoints around the Island.

Mr. Santucci said when checkpoints were used in other jurisdictions and the public had been given prior notice there was a significant reduction in the number of alcohol-related accidents and deaths.

This week dozens of people are undergoing training designed to help prevent alcohol-related tragedies.

CADA has joined forces with the Leopards Club, which is hosting the training sessions involving owners, managers, bartenders and servers from dozens of licensed establishments.

They are being trained in the TIPS intervention scheme which encourages responsible alcohol sales and service.

Mr. Santucci added: "TIPS training is another important piece in the puzzle toward reducing drinking and driving. CADA is fully committed to the TIPS programme and our goal is to see every server and seller of alcohol in Bermuda trained under this important, potentially life-saving initiative.

"This training is particularly timely given that there has been much public discussion of late regarding roadside sobriety checkpoints, which are another very important piece in this puzzle.

"TIPS training and roadside sobriety checkpoints, together with public awareness campaigns and other initiatives which CADA and our partner agencies are working on will help to move Bermuda away from a culture of drinking and driving."

Mr. Santucci concluded: "CADA is pleased to be partnering once again with the Leopards Club which is providing the venue for this week's training. The management at the club has fully embraced the programme and has committed to the success of this week of training."

For more information on TIPS training visit www.cada.bm