Thu, 2010-05-20

From the Bermuda Road Safety Council, Road Safety Officer David Minors - On behalf of our Chairman, Dr. Chris Johnson, The Bermuda Road Safety Council, would like to extend the warmest of greetings to the people of Bermuda on the pending celebration of our Heritage Day festivities. Today, we are here to encourage and remind our community that in spite of all the celebrations that are going on, please adhere to the rules of the road, especially during this holiday.

This Bermuda Day, the Bermuda Road Safety Council is asking all Bermuda to remember the following:

• Speed – adhere to the speed limit at all times.
• Helmets – all helmets must be fastened correctly to ensure their proper use.  A helmet on without a properly fastened strap is like not having a helmet on at all.
• Child restraints – all children must be secured in the rear seats of the vehicle - in properly constructed child restraints or child seats.  The days of allowing kids to hop around in the car are long gone – we must ensure their safety.
• Drinking and driving – this is a major issue in our community.  Please ensure that if you are going to drink, you have a designated driver, taxi fare or another means to get home.  It is as simple as calling a friend and saying, “Hey – can you come and get me.”

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of pedestrian related collisions and injuries on the roads of Bermuda .  There are a myriad of reasons for the increase – driver fault, inattention, failing to wait to cross – however, it is important to note that everyone should be more aware of the driving task at all times.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council would like to remind everyone:

• Road safety is an individual responsibility.  Take note of your surroundings while walking or preparing to cross the street.  Be mindful and secure your safety.
• Wait before crossing any road, street, etc. and ensure that the vehicle completely stops before proceeding.  This is very important as a driver may not have seen you or understands that you are about to cross.
• Any activity which will impair your driving skill such as drinking, cell phones, etc. should be eliminated so your attention is solely on the driving task.

Bermuda Day is our opportunity to celebrate all that is great about Bermuda – let us continue to work together to ensure that we “all” are alive and well to celebrate life long after this festive time is over.

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