The number of road collisions fell in the third quarter of this year compared with the same period for the past three years, police said yesterday.

But driving while impaired remained “prevalent”, a spokesman said.

The island recorded 264 road traffic collisions between July and September this year.

For the corresponding three months of 2021, there were 352 collisions – with 315 in 2020 and 384 in 2019.

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, of the tactical support division, said the figures showed “a marked reduction in road traffic collisions”.

“Reflecting on second-quarter collision numbers, for 2022 they edged up slightly over 2021,” he said.

“However, for the first quarter of 2022, the number was lower than the same period in 2021 as was the fourth quarter of 2021, when compared with the years 2020 and 2019.”

He credited the success to the work of officers on Operation Vega, the road safety enforcement campaign launched in July 2020.

But Mr Cardwell added: “That notwithstanding, we still find speeding offences to be the most prominent offence reported. We also attribute many of these collisions to speed.

“We continue to encourage Bermuda to slow down on the roads. Unfortunately, impaired driving also remains prevalent on our roads.”

Mr Cardwell highlighted that in the first quarter of this year, 28 people were arrested for impaired driving, followed by 51 in the second quarter and 70 in the third.

“That is 149 impaired drivers arrested in 2022 so far.

“When impaired, your ability to accurately perceive what is going on around you is severely hindered, your reaction time slows down, your mental capacity is affected, your co-ordination is thrown off and motor skills become diminished, thus increasing your chances of being involved in a collision.

“Drivers should also consider that operating a vehicle while impaired threatens not only their lives but also to the lives of any passengers in their vehicle. Not to mention the lives of other road users.”

Anyone brought before the courts charged with impaired driving can expect a $1,000 fine as well as getting banned from the roads for 18 months.

For safer roads, police reminded the public never to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and avoid using mobile devices while driving.

Drivers should look well ahead for hazards, brake lights and turn signals, and maintain enough distance from the vehicle in front to stop safely.

The public was reminded to observe the speed limit, obey road traffic signs, and ensure vehicles were kept in good working order.