Two motorists lost their lives within 24 hours in separate crashes, doubling the 2017 road death toll to four.

Jokeem Richardson, 23, died after a collision on Blue Hole Hill in Hamilton Parish at about 4.15pm on Wednesday and a 68-year-man died following a crash on Middle Road in Warwick yesterday at 10am.

The fatalities prompted comment from Cada chairman Anthony Santucci who said such real-life stories of tragedy and loss would prove a powerful tool in swaying the community to take more care on the roads.

Mr Santucci highlighted his organisation’s partnership with the film A Piece of the Rock, which offers shocking footage of the carnage on Bermuda’s roads as well as a candid insight into the lives of families of those killed and injured in road incidents.

He said he had not seen the content of the film before agreeing to partner with the project but agreed because he knew the impact of real life stories.

Chair of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, Ali Bardgett, echoed Mr Santucci’s sentiments and encouraged all residents to go and watch the documentary, which is being aired on Saturday.

Mr Santucci told The Royal Gazette: “We have always advocated that personal stories are the best stories to get people to change their behaviours and this was an opportunity to tell those stories — telling the stories is critical. It was a no- brainer for us.”

Ms Bardgett added: “We would urge the community to go and see the documentary film A Piece of The Rock at the Liberty Theatre on Saturday, May 13 at 12 noon. The film and campaign raises awareness for all road users on the chronic issues of high incidences of road crashes in Bermuda.

“We are hopeful that this campaign will provide a platform for the momentum needed to bring about much needed legislative action to combat this crisis.

“The documentary will address the following measures, which we believe are urgently needed to make Bermuda.

“Roads safer: stricter enforcement of sobriety checks and DUI penalties; implementation of advanced road safety measures to address speeding; graduated licensing and stringent training programmes for new and inexperienced road users.”

According to police, Mr Richardson was involved in a collision involving a motorcycle, a car and a tow truck. A woman, believed to be a 55-year-old Smith’s resident who was driving the car, was arrested in connection with the crash and released on bail.

The 68-year-old man died following a crash in Middle Road, Warwick, involving a private car and rental cycle.

Ms Bardgett extended her condolences to the family and friends of the two road fatalities.

“This affects all of our community. Road safety should be at the forefront of our minds at all times when driving and riding,” she said.

“We have, on average, at least one fatality a month and five people every day going to the Emergency Department of the hospital for treatment following a road traffic collision. For every one fatality, there are over 200 injuries.”

Mr Santucci added: “Since 2008, Cada has been advocating sobriety checkpoints, an alcohol bureau of control and social hosting legislation. It is long overdue that we put in place all the best practices worldwide to ensure that motorists and the general public can drive our highways safely.”

A Piece of the Rock screens at Liberty Theatre tomorrow at 12pm and at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on May 14 at 4pm, which will be followed by a panel discussion.