Police release images of unsafe driving habits

The Bermuda Police Service, along with our partners in the Road Safety Council and the Transport Control Department, seek to combine education, prevention and enforcement to raise awareness of unsafe driving behaviours and habits. While we appreciate that most road users are law abiding citizens, the photographs we are releasing today illustrate there is still some work to do to encourage the motoring public to change some of its bad driving habits.

The Bermuda Police Service has begun to “STEP” up its enforcement of dangerous and unlawful driving on Bermuda’s roads. We have revitalised the Selective Traffic Enforcement Programme (STEP) whereby selected traffic offences are targeted and enforced diligently. Those offences that present the greatest dangers to road users are on our primary list, and include:

• Impaired Driving.
• Speeding.
• Driving Without Due Care and Attention / Dangerous Manner.
• Using cell phones (etc.) while driving.
• Disobeying traffic signs.
• Unfastened/improper use of helmets.

Motorists should be aware that this is a not a complete list of traffic offences, and tickets can be given for many others. But over the next few months these offences will be prosecuted stringently and no cautions will be given.

The Bermuda Police Service takes this opportunity to encourage all drivers and riders to adhere to the traffic laws and help to make Bermuda’s roads safer.

Please do your part:

• Slow down.
• Pay attention.
• Exercise care, caution, courtesy and patience.
• Don’t drink and drive.

David Minors, Road Safety Officer

The Transport Control Department (TCD) stands today in full support and in conjunction with the Bermuda Police Service.  Enforcement of the law is an important component in making our roads safer.  Therefore, we applaud the Bermuda Police Service for their work to enforce the rules of the roads.  Education is the area where the TCD can play a role.  We will educate the community regarding the dangers of bad driving habits, while providing driving tips to improve the situation on the roads.  The pictures attached underscore the need for education and enforcement on our roads.  These pictures show a wide range of offences that include school aged students, business persons and everyday commuters.

In the next few months, TCD will commence with our 2013 Road Safety Education Campaign.  The campaign is designed to highlight specific topics of road safety each month to educate, enlighten and inform the community.  We recognize that the twin pillars of Road Safety are Education and Enforcement.  We will do our part and we have been ensured that the BPS will be stepping up their enforcement.  For information on road safety, including safe driving tips, as well as road safety legislation, please visit the Bermuda Road Safety Council’s website – www.bermudaroadsafety.com.  If you want /need a refresher on the rules of the road, the Traffic Code Handbook is available at our offices (TCD) for a nominal fee.  Additionally, the Road Safety Office is available to answer any questions, concerns or to field any suggestions with regards to Road Safety – 298-2349 or [email protected].

We believe that 5 deaths and over 27 serious collisions are signs that we must act and we must act now.