Officials urge personal responsibility as young Bermudians lead campaign to promote safer roads
Community stakeholders gathered at City Hall yesterday afternoon to launch Road Safety Week, urging residents to play their part in keeping both our roads and waterways safe.
The importance of the event was underscored by sobering statistics from the hospitals’ Emergency Department.
According to Dr Celeste Maycock, consultant emergency physician at the hospital, last year the ER treated 1,300 patients due to road traffic collisions, 120 of whom had to be admitted because of their injuries.
She also referenced a study conducted last year of 167 drivers and riders involved in crashes. It found that more than half had high alcohol levels in their blood, and nearly 35 percent had drugs in their system.
This year’s campaign is being led by the Junior Road Safety Council and is themed “Youth Road Safety: Protecting Our Future.” It focuses on empowering young islanders to be advocates for their own safety.
Commissioner of Police Darin Simons encouraged young drivers and riders to build safe habits early – like respecting speed limits, avoiding distractions, never driving under the influence, and always wearing protective gear.
He said reckless behaviour is “not just dangerous but often irreversible”.
Road Safety Week continues with scheduled events and school visits – aimed at education, awareness, and saving lives.
