Remarks by The Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport:
Good afternoon Bermuda,
This year, Road Safety Week’s theme centres on “Operation Action –Changing Minds, Changing Behaviours” - the Bermuda Road Safety Council’s or BRSC’s new five-year Road Safety Plan, a strategic plan to aid in changing minds and behaviours on Bermuda’s roads.
BRSC focuses on public education to help residents understand daily risks, assess them, and demand safer conduct from all residents on our roads for the betterment of Bermuda.
Speeding is dangerous, and it appears to be a "shared community activity" on our island’s two-lane roads.
Between January 2025 to present, the Bermuda Police Service has issued 1,439 Moving Violation Tickets for the offence of speeding in excess of 54 km/h.
Additionally, during the same period, 33 persons have been arrested for Having Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle Whilst Impaired, and a further 204 persons have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs.
All reckless driving has consequences. And, simply put, driving under the influence, without care, or distracted, multiplies the risk of collisions.
The Bermuda Police Service has noted that while enforcement plays a role in reducing harm on our roads, every road user has a responsibility to ensure their safety and the safety of others in their daily travels around the island.
Unfortunately, neither the Road Safety Council nor the Bermuda Police Service can stop an individual from speeding, overtaking and, worse, driving while intoxicated. With this limitation noted and given the high rate of accidents involving motorcyclists in Bermuda, the BRSC will continue to implore motorcyclists to slow down, avoid the “third lane”, take extra caution when overtaking, and always use caution when approaching pedestrians.
As the Ministry overseeing Project Ride, the Transport Control Department has introduced regulations to better prepare our young people for safe road travel. We are committed to preparing new and young riders, promoting safety, reducing accidents, and cultivating responsible motorcyclists who will become drivers. In addition, I am pleased that Parliament has passed the Motor Car Amendment Act to include ridesharing services in Bermuda. Reports from other jurisdictions suggest that ridesharing is linked to reductions in alcohol-related road accidents, fatalities, and incidents of driving under the influence (DUI). As a Ministry, we want to bring modern transport options to help reduce late-night, weekend, and holiday options for getting to your destinations safely.
The ridesharing application process is open from 30 April to 14 May, and I encourage all eligible persons to apply for consideration.
Before I close, I wish to express sincere condolences to families who lost loved ones due to road fatalities. Words fail to convey my sorrow and remorse for your loss. One loss is too many for grieving families.
I urge everyone to participate actively in Road Safety Week and be
the change we need on Bermuda’s road.
Thank you to the BRSC Chairman, Altonio Roberts and team for raising awareness and supporting safety initiatives.
Responsible road behaviour is vital. Your safety depends on every action you take. Uphold your duty, save lives, and prevent harm.
Thank you