The Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC) would like to take this time to offer our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Amber Bridges. Losing a loved one is never easy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
As we are now in the month of June, the BRSC will now introduce our monthly Road Safety topic for June, which is Alert Today – Alive Tomorrow. We chose this topic as a means to educate the motoring public on the dangers of sleep deprived driving, which is operating a motor vehicle while being cognitively impaired due to a lack of sleep or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In other words, “driving under the influence”.
According to the TCD Traffic Code Handbook – Section 4 - To All Road Users of the Road, states: “Before using the road be sure that your alertness or sense of caution is not affected by alcohol or fatigue.” Sleep deprived driving and driving while under the influence are similar in that they both affect your driving ability. Your reaction time, alertness and attentiveness are diminished, along with your agility.
In order to prevent this from happening, we ask all motorists that are driving or operating a vehicle, to ensure that you have an adequate amount of sleep, avoid driving during peak sleeping periods; if possible, and if you plan to consume alcohol, always have a plan to get home safely. Staying alert and being attentive are two very key elements to safe driving.
The BRSC continues in our efforts to encourage motorists to reduce their speed. The dangers of travelling at an excessive speed cannot be expressed enough. Too many lives are lost every year as a result of speed and we must all work together to change that. We also continue our fight against driving whilst impaired. Since the introduction of the Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints, we have seen the culture and driving behaviors improve, but the fight against this issue doesn’t stop.
With the upcoming National Heroes holiday this month, the BRSC reminds the public of the importance of being cautious and safe drivers while travelling on our roads. We encourage all motorists to:-
· reduce their speed,
· ensure that their helmets are securely fastened,
· avoid using cellphones while driving or riding, and
· if you plan to consume alcohol make other arrangements for transportation.
Remember to always drive with care, caution and courtesy, reduce your speed and most importantly, Don’t Drink and Drive.
On behalf of the BRSC, we wish everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday!
Cautious Drivers = Safer Roads = A Safer Bermuda.