Drivers were urged to show care on the roads after arrests on suspicion of drink-driving accompanied a Christmas holiday weekend marked by a series of crashes.

Police reported two collisions on Sunday, each of which resulted in the arrest of a person on suspicion of impaired driving.

Another two serious collisions were recorded on Boxing Day, including one in Paget which left a male with life-threatening injuries.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “In recent days, we have seen a troubling number of road traffic incidents, particularly during what should be a time of rest and celebration.

“Every one of these incidents places lives at risk, including those of innocent road users and emergency responders who are called to the scene.”

He said the driver choices plaguing the island’s roadways could not be solved by enforcement alone, and that drivers needed to do their part.

Mr Weeks said: “I want to urge everyone to slow down, remain alert and make responsible choices.

“That means no impaired driving, no reckless speeding and no distractions. We all have a role to play in ensuring that our roads are safe, especially as we head into another holiday weekend.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “Every road collision leaves scars that extend far beyond the crash site.

“Families are torn apart when they face the emotional distress of sudden loss or the difficult journey of caring for loved ones with life-altering injuries.

“Parents, children and spouses carry the weight of grief and financial strain, and communities feel the absence when individuals cannot return to work or contribute as they once did.

“These are preventable tragedies that ripple through every aspect of our society.”

Ms Wilson said that road safety was a “critical public health concern”, adding that incidents place additional strain on the island’s healthcare system.

She said: “It strains hospital resources, impacts recovery services and creates a lasting burden on families and the economy.

“As a community, we must hold ourselves and each other accountable, especially during times of celebration. Driving under the influence is never acceptable. There is no excuse.

“Plan ahead, make responsible choices and exercise sound judgment. A single reckless decision can devastate not only your future, but also the lives of your loved ones and the wellbeing of our wider community.”

Both Mr Weeks and Ms Wilson urged the public to be alert, patient and considerate on Bermuda’s roads this holiday season.

In a video published on social media by the Bermuda Police Service on Sunday evening, Sergeant Helen McHugh pleaded for motorists to take care after a series of collisions.

“I need people to slow down on the road,” she said. “We have already had multiple collisions with several arrests involving suspected impaired driving. There have been some injuries as well.

“What I want people to do is be able to get back to their families safely. We don’t want to be going to people’s houses and giving bad news over the Christmas holidays especially.

“Please drive safe, be responsible. If you have had a couple of drinks, do not get into your car, do not get onto your bike. Please get a taxi or get a family member of friend to come get you.”

Ms McHugh also called for drivers to concentrate behind the wheel and slow down.