Drivers and riders were urged last night to take greater care on the roads after the third road death of the year.

Bermuda Road Safety Council chairwoman Erica Rance Mill extended her deepest condolences on behalf of the group to the family and friends of Azah Dowling, who died on Good Friday.

Mr Dowling, 22, of Sandys, was killed when his bike was in a collision with a car on Middle Road in Sandys, in front of the Maximart grocery store.

“No words can take away their pain, but we as a community are keeping them in our thoughts,” Ms Rance Mill said. “One death on our roads is one too many, and in the first three months of this year we already have lost three young men.”

Ms Rance Mill said she was not aware of the circumstances leading up to Friday’s crash.

But she added: “On motorcycle use in general, there seems to be an increased level of dangerous driving and unsafe risk-taking. This is not just among the youth but with riders across all age brackets.

“We urge all riders to slow down, ensure that helmets are securely fastened and obey the rules of the road at all times.”

Ms Rance Mill said the council would hold a press conference in the next few days to discuss its plans for 2016.

She added: “While we can do our part to raise awareness, and the Bermuda Police Service, our community partners, can be visible and act as deterrents by issuing tickets, the ultimate responsibility lies with each of us every time we take control of a vehicle. We must all do our part to encourage responsible behaviour.”

The death of Mr Dowling was one of two serious road accidents over the Easter weekend, with the other taking place on Kindley Field Road in the early hours of Friday morning.