Good morning,
Thank you for joining us today as we premiere a new roadside sobriety checkpoint educational video. This video will serve as a tool to further inform the public about what to expect when going through a sobriety checkpoint and serves to aid in the overall effort to decrease drink driving in Bermuda.
You will begin to see this video in various places around the island including The Transport Control Department, CITV, social media and more as we further roll out this piece.
It was important to this Ministry that this video depict sobriety checkpoints using Bermuda scenery and Bermudian residents as actors – and actors only. We all know that some things hit closer to home when they are relatable.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that we are partners in this work - to decrease drink driving - with many other great organizations, and we are proud to do our part.
Education surrounding roadside sobriety checkpoints are increasingly important as we enter into this holiday season. If you intend to consume alcohol, do so responsibly. Have a strategy for getting home without driving impaired. Plan ahead this holiday and think before you drink.
I will now turn it over to Chief Inspector Cardwell, thank you.
Thank you Minister,
I have reviewed this video and can confirm it is a very accurate depiction of what you can expect when you arrive at a road side sobriety check point. Well done to all those that put this information video together.
Since 23rd Sept when road side sobriety check points were initiated some 61 drivers have been arrested for impaired driving offences and have either already appeared in the Magistrates Court or are scheduled to appear. All will receive disqualifications and a hefty fine. Our roads policing unit consider these 61 arrests to be lives saved in our mission to create safer roads and save lives.
It has been the Bermuda Police Service position since the inception of road side sobriety check points that we are not here to catch you. We hope that we act as a further deterrent to not take the chance and consume alcohol and then drive. This deterrence is anticipated to have the knock on effect of reducing the number of collisions on our roads, particularly the ones that end in fatality – we know most of these involve alcohol through our investigations.
Over Christmas and New Year, commencing this coming weekend road side sobriety check operations will be launched across the island. Road side sobriety check points increase the chance of you being caught if you are going to take a chance.
We all need to be committed to getting through the Christmas period without the further loss of life or serious injuries on the roads.
The Bermuda Police Service wishes all a happy and safe Christmas.