We have come together today in part to acknowledge the concern and frustration that people rightly feel, and to explain what is being done now.
Yesterday, Bermuda suffered another tragic road traffic fatality. Thirteen people have now lost their lives on our roads this year.
On behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who have died. Each loss is devastating. Each leaves families, friends and communities grieving.
Yesterday’s collision remains under active investigation, and it would be inappropriate to speculate causation before that work is complete.
What we know from serious and fatal collision investigations is that the same familiar, preventable behaviours arise repeatedly: excessive speed, inattention and distraction, including cellphone use, driving or riding while impaired by alcohol or drugs, dangerous driving and riding, and unsafe overtaking.
Bermuda has historically averaged around 12 road deaths each year. We have now exceeded that number in little more than seven months. For a community of approximately 64,000 people, that is a serious concern. Bermuda’s long-term road-fatality rate is approximately 19 deaths per 100,000 population, placing Bermuda at the higher end when compared with many
This must be treated as a significant public-safety issue. It requires an urgent, sustained and joined-up response.
The Bermuda Police Service is working with the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Transport Control Department, the Road Safety Council, and other partners. We have met to ensure that the immediate response is coordinated and just as important that the longer-term work is properly focused.
The Police Service has already increased traffic-enforcement visibility, with particular focus on speeding and other dangerous driving behaviour. During yesterday’s targeted operation, officers issued more than 60 tickets, the majority for speeding.
From Friday, BPS will strengthen this response further through dedicated, traffic enforcement operations during the County Games and Labour Day period. Additional officers will be deployed on overtime to support this work.
other jurisdictions.
The public will see enhanced traffic enforcement. Our deployments will be guided by collision information and public complaints so that we can focus our activity where the risk risk is greatest.
We will target the behaviours most likely to lead to death and serious injury:
- Speeding.
- Impaired driving.
- Dangerous and careless driving.
- Cellphone use.
- Unsafe overtaking.
- Failure to wear seatbelts and protective helmets.
- Unlicensed, uninsured and unroadworthy vehicles.
- Driving while disqualified and other serious moving violations.
Roadside sobriety operations will take place through the end of this month. Their timing and duration will be informed by risk, upcoming social events and operational assessment.
The Police Service will also work with colleagues from the Transport Control Department during selected operations. While Police address dangerous driving and criminal offending, TCD officers will address vehicle licensing, roadworthiness and other regulatory-compliance matters.
We are encouraging members of the public to report dangerous and reckless driving. If you see behaviour that presents an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911. Timely reports can help us direct resources, assess available CCTV and other evidence, and respond where the circumstances require it.
Enforcement alone is not the solution. It is necessary, and it will be increased in the short term, but lasting improvement requires a change in behaviour, mindset and culture.
That means recognising that speeding is not normal. Using a phone while driving is not normal. Driving or riding after drinking is not normal. Dangerous overtaking and reckless riding are not normal. These behaviours have become too tolerated, and they must become socially unacceptable.
It also means that families, friends, employers, event organisers and licensed premises have a role to play. Responsible sale and service of alcohol is a public-safety issue. We will work with the relevant Government authorities to explore how responsible alcohol service and accountability can be strengthened.
Where alcohol is relevant to a fatal or serious collision, our investigations will carefully examine the surrounding circumstances. The purpose is to establish the facts, learn from them and prevent further tragedy.
The message today is clear:
Slow down.Put the phone away.Wear your helmet and seatbelt. Do not overtake dangerously. Do not drive or ride impaired. And do not allow someone you care about to do so.
Thirteen deaths are thirteen too many. This is a shared problem, and it will require a shared response.
