The chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council urged young motorists to be responsible while riding as an investment in the future.

Altonio Roberts highlighted this message during the opening of Road Safety Week at City Hall today.

The Junior Road Safety Council is organising the week of activities, which centre on the theme “Youth road safety: protecting our future”.

Mr Roberts, who succeeded Progressive Labour Party MP Dennis Lister III as BRSC chairman last month, said: “If we can change the habits of our young people who are just getting on the road, we can change the habits of our future.

“Our young people are not just the drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of tomorrow, they are the vibrant heart of our island today.”

He added: “Road safety is not just about statistics and regulations, it’s about ensuring that the future is not tragically cut short or for ever altered by preventable incidents on our roads.”

Mr Roberts told young people: “The choices you make on our roads have a ripple effect, not just on your own life, but in the lives of your friends, family and the wider community.

“Please make responsible choices, think before you act, be aware of your surroundings and never hesitate to speak up if you see something unsafe.”

Owen Darrell, the transport minister, joined Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, as wel as the chairwomen of the Junior Road Safety and Water Safety Councils and several others to emphasise the message — and the potentially deadly results of reckless driving.

Gina Spence, founder and chief executive of the Gina Spence Programme, which supports those experiencing grief and loss through its healing hearts campaign, was also at Hamilton City Hall.

Ms Spence explained: “If you’re out there riding and something happens to you, it doesn’t only affect you — it affects everybody.”

She urged young people to “really think about choices, whether you’re riding safely or recklessly and what that outcome could possibly be”.

“We hear a lot about fatalities but there are a lot of people that are maimed, permanently injured or changed, after accidents.”

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