“Disregard For Safety Of Other Road Users”

August 11, 2020

Noting a video clip posted on social media depicting a near collision in Devonshire, the police said it ”can only be described as wanton disregard for the safety and wellbeing of other road users” and have urged people to “practice care, courtesy and caution” on the roads.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a video clip posted on social media depicting a near collision which could have resulted in loss of life or serious injury, near the junction of Cavendish Road and Hibiscus Lane, Devonshire.

“The incident is believed to have taken place at around 2:39 pm on Monday, 10th August.”

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Having seen the video, Inspector Charlene Thompson, the Officer in Charge of the Roads Policing Unit, [RPU], stated: “This situation highlights what can only be described as wanton disregard for the safety and wellbeing of other road users, by the driver of the jeep seen in the video. Dangerous driving is only one of many offences with which that individual could be charged.”

Inspector Thompson added: “The prosecutorial aspect notwithstanding, the fact remains, that situation could have ended in the family of the motorcycle rider having to care for a seriously injured loved one, or worse”

“There has been an increasing incidence of questionable driving practices on Bermuda’s roads in recent times and the RPU has stepped up its efforts to rein this situation in, with increased speed checks across the island and other more robust roads policing measures, which have begun to prove successful”

Video posted on social media by the BPS account:

“However, we would much prefer to educate the public about the dangers of such behaviour with the aim of achieving more responsible, safety minded road users. To that end, we will be embarking on a number of initiatives which you will hear about in the near future.

“Remember, it’s a privilege, not a right, to be a road user and having that privilege comes with responsibility, not only for one’s self, but for other road users as well.

“The RPU urges you to practice care, courtesy and caution, as we work together to the roads safer for everyone.”

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Category: Accidents and fires, All, News

Comments (20)

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  1. Toodle-oo says:

    This incident is absolutely shocking on many different levels and it starts with the fact that the person filming it was already well over the speed limit so you can only wonder why the person in the offending car was going as fast as they were , and then it didn’t even register on the driver that the cyclist was turning right.
    In fact , this happens to me often pulling into my gate with both cars and bikes despite signalling way before I start my right turn.
    But in this case I again remind car drivers who think that bikers are (all) the worst to trade their steering wheels for a set of handlebars for a month and then get back to us as to what they think of the car and truck drivers.
    This person on the bike was incredibly lucky to live to see another day. sd

  2. This video informs me that I must be more alert and more vigilant for nonsense on Bermuda’s dangerous roads.

  3. Wow says:

    I hope that rider on the bike went after that person and told him off. Unbelievable!!!

  4. Walt Burgess says:

    I live in this area and the video clip is NOT uncommon evet traffic traveling both east and west are always traveling at excessive speeds..

  5. KHALIFAKHAN FASHALA says:

    Looks to me that the rider made an sudden unindicated decision to right turn that may have cause an collision with an overtaking vehicle…. look before you leap … more care and caution need be adhered to.

    • Cockwomble says:

      So this was the fault of the bike rider?? If you can’t see the issue here, perhaps you should stay off the road.

    • I Don’t Use Glasses, Do You says:

      Are you blind, or did you just run your mouth without actually watching the entire video in detail like so many online posters do? Reason I ask is because you can clearly see at the end of the video the riders indicator flashing as he rerouted and headed in the direction of the driver. This is how rumors etc. spread, because people speak factually about their opinion when they have little to zero facts.

    • Wow says:

      What a stupid comment you said. Indicate or not still doesn’t give anyone the right to overtake at high speed.

    • Funkyone says:

      Look carefully – You can see the biker’s indicator is on. The biker did nothing wrong and was actually very agile to avoid the idiot willing to kill him.

  6. Jah Rastafari says:

    The Police should find and seize the vehicle today. Identifying the driver will be next to impossible but it may send a message.

  7. James says:

    Perhaps instead of just speed checks (which I’ve barely ever seen), the government needs to implement changes in the learning of drivers and (in particular) riders. The general standard of driving/riding in Bermuda is abysmal. The incident above is something we see every day. The reckless disregard for human life on the roads of Bermuda is not seen in any other Western country. People need to be properly trained, not just do a quick test, ride around a few cones etc. The police also need to crack down on drivers who are intoxicated (with alcohol or drugs) because that seems to be an acceptable practice here. Perhaps the government / Police will say they are under-resourced, but there shouldn’t be a price placed on human life. The government can generate jobs and revenue by having in place a proper system for practical learning like in the UK/US etc and ensure that people are more aware on the roads.

  8. Einstein says:

    its a privilege to be a road user? since when? its a human right to move yourself from A to B. Good grief.

    • wahoo says:

      Walk. Having a license is a privilege and can be taken away.

      • Einstein says:

        many things have been “taken away” from people over generations. It does not mean it is fair. Human rights are always violated. Transport is a right, not a privilege – in a fair and sensible reality. Sorry to burst your bubble. A century ago, they were selling slaves. Freedom was a privilege that could be taken away.

  9. Kathy says:

    SLOW down Bermuda! Better to arrive late than NEVER!!!

  10. aceboy says:

    That is Pembroke, not Devonshire. I was almost killed there by two cars racing many years ago trying to make that exact same turn.

  11. Time Shall Tell says:

    Anyone else notices the poster is self-incriminating themselves? GPS puts them at a max speed of 37 miles per hour, which is nearly 60 kilometers per hour.

    • Yup says:

      I see it all the time. When you think you’re speeding at 30mph you get eyeballed by irate drivers who are clocking 40mph. I commute from Pembroke to St. George all the time. This is now a daily normal occurrence that is frequently overlooked. Our roads are seriously dangerous because of reckless drivers.

  12. Gary E Wilson says:

    Safe roads are what the taxpayer pays for, and it can be a little better than what is is currently. The fines will offset the cost of additional police officers. Right now , as a person out for a walk or run..you sure would have to do your best to pick a safe as possible route, and that is extremely difficult. I salute those who are tasked with traffic enforcement.

  13. KHALIFAKHAN FASHALA says:

    No, I am not blind … the rider had not been indicating before deciding to turn. There was no flashing light up to the right turn and if you look carefully you will see the indicator flash on the left and then right after the near-collision. That is because the compunction reaction of knowing it should have been engaged before and had not done so. It was engaged after the fact and the rider knew it. …. Again care and caution need to adhered to for both parties.