January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
A start - at last - but much more can be done
This week's statement by the minister is a disappointment because so much more can be done to improve the safety of our roads.
The United Bermuda Party welcomes the Minister's plan for graduated bike licensing for our young riders. Statistics prove beyond doubt that our bike-riding teenagers are at the highest risk. It is incumbent on us to do whatever we can to save them from themselves.
But graduated licensing is just one of many no-nonsense steps that can be taken right now to impose safer driving habits on the public.
We believe the Government can move with speed on the following:
Breathalyzer testing. This has proved effective in curtailing drink driving in other jurisdictions. Drink driving is a major problem in Bermuda with CADA reporting that 70% of road deaths in Bermuda are alcohol or drug related.
Legislation authorizing Police to conduct random sobriety testing without grounds for suspicion. U.K. statistics in 2006 show breath-testing led to a dramatic decrease in the number drivers failing 'fit to drive' tests.
A formal commitment for the installation of mobile and fixed speed cameras with an implementation deadline. Statistics from other jurisdictions show a correlation between a drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions - ranging from 12 per cent to 40 per cent.
Increased manpower in the Police traffic division with a commitment to greater and sustained Police presence on the roads.
Installation of 'cat's eyes' road reflector in centre lines. Road safety authorities report reductions in night-time accidents of more than 70 per cent where cat's eyes have been installed.
More anti-skid surfaces. Anti-skid surfaces in other jurisdictions have been shown to reduce accidents by 50 per cent.
Speed bumps
More traffic calming measures such as speed bumps. Statistics out of Hull in the U.K. show a 56 per cent reduction in road injuries where a series of traffic calming measures were put in place.
Complete enforcement of existing traffic laws.
Later hours for the running of public buses.
These are concrete steps that the government can take to improve road safety and save lives.
While we appreciate the Road Safety Council's print campaign, that the Transport Minister endorsed, experts that we have consulted say it has proved to be one of the least effective methods in reducing road accidents.
So while it goes forward, we believe it is vital that the government push forward with real steps to make a real difference on our roads.
We are concerned with the Minister's statement that breathalyzer provisions require methodical study and further debate. This sounds like an excuse for further inaction - something that has dogged this Government for far too long in too many areas. We would have preferred to hear a clear commitment to action on this vital safety measure that cuts to the heart of our road safety problems - drink driving.
The steps we have outlined above are not new. Indeed many of them were known, discussed and supported by the minister years ago - without action taken. The record shows, for instance, the Transport Minister, now 10 years in the post, talking about effectiveness of speed cameras in 2001 and one year later talking about the importance of graduated licencing.
We can make a difference, but we need a strong will to make it happen.
Senator Michael Fahy is the Shadow Minister for Transportation.[[In-content Ad]]
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