"The Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC) would like to take this time to offer our most heartfelt condolences to the families of the recent road fatalities. Losing a loved one is never easy. Your pain is felt throughout the community.”
In the last 24 hours we have seen an increase in road collisions. We ask; actually, we implore motorists to drive and ride safer by reducing your speed, paying close attention to your driving, refrain from using electronic devices to minimize distractions. We all share our roads, therefore we must all do our part to make them safer.
The BRSC would like to introduce our monthly Road Safety topic which is 4 Wheels - 2 Wheels - 1 Road for Everyone. The BRSC chose this topic because unlike other jurisdictions, Bermuda does not have the space for special lanes such as bus, cycle, or express lanes. Here, all vehicles, including pedestrians must travel on the same road space.
During this past year we have noticed an increase in the number of pedal cyclists and pedestrians using our roads for recreation, fitness or training. We advise all pedestrians to use care and caution; especially when walking at dusk and dawn. Where possible, always walk facing oncoming traffic, use sidewalks when available, wear reflective clothing during dark hours and look both ways before crossing the street or a pedestrian crossing. When riding a pedal cycle, we ask that you always wear a proper helmet, make sure your brakes are in good working order and attach lights and reflectors for night riding and a warning device to ensure that you remain safe at all times.
The BRSC also reminds motorists who use 2 wheeled vehicles (i.e. pedal, auxiliary and motor cycles) that Traffic Code Handbook states – Duties Towards Other Road Users you must: “Ride in single file whenever road or traffic conditions require it, and never more than two abreast.”
If you are travelling in a 4 or more wheeled vehicle (i.e. motorcar, truck, bus, trailer, etc.) we ask that you also comply with the law and make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. Always give plenty of room to pedestrians and cyclists; especially in wet weather.
We also take this opportunity to inform the public that the UN Global Road Safety Week will be from May 17th – 23rd. The theme for this year is SPEED, focusing on Streets for Life #Love 30. During this week we encourage the motoring public to do their part by reducing their speed.
In closing, the BRSC acknowledges and thanks those drivers that do practice good driving habits. We ask that the entire motoring public to participate in making our roads safer by driving with care, caution and courtesy, reduce your speed and most importantly, Don’t Drink and Drive.
Remember – Cautious Drivers + Safer Roads = A Safer Bermuda.