Video: Road/Water Safety Press Conference

[Updated] Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott, Michael Weeks and Dennis Lister III are holding a press conference this morning [Dec 16] to provide an update on the Bermuda Road Safety Council and the Bermuda Water Safety Council. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.

Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the 15-minute replay is below

Update 2.15pm: Minister Scott’s remarks:

Good day members of the media and the listening public, thank you for joining us here today.

Many of you will be familiar with the Bermuda Road Safety Council and the Bermuda Water Safety Council’s efforts over the years to raise public awareness and improve how people use and travel on Bermuda roads and waterways. Since the two organizations inception, while they have always shared similar objectives, they have always operated independently.

Going forward, however, the plan is for both organizations to work together toward the common goal of safe driving, safe piloting and use of our roads and waterways for all of Bermuda.

To that end, I now invite the Chair of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, MP Dennis Lister III and the Chair of the Bermuda Water Safety Council, MP Michael Weeks to say a few words.

Chair of the Bermuda Road Safety Council Dennis Lister’s remarks:

Today the Bermuda Road Safety Council stands with our partner, the Bermuda Water Safety Council. As Bermuda is an island, you can never be too far from the water and we Bermudians love to travel on the water also. Road and Water safety are not dissimilar, and as a result, we should take water safety as seriously as road safety.

Road safety is of the utmost importance throughout the year, but especially during this festive season. Our message for December is “Don’t Drink and Drive!” This goes along with our designated driver campaign as we know people will consume alcohol more freely at this time. We encourage motorists to plan ahead. If you intend to consume alcohol whilst you’re out, plan ahead how you will get home. Long gone are the days when you could socialize, consume alcohol and take a risk by attempting to drive home whilst under the influence.

Since 2018 we have seen the introduction of RSC and the have made a difference in changing the attitude towards drunk driving. Credit must be given to officers of the BPS who have dutifully carried out the role of enforcing the laws and apprehending those that choose to drive while impaired. I repeat, when you plan to go out for a drink, first have a plan on how you will get home safely. The BRSC continues to push our “Designated Driver” campaign and we encourage people and establishments to sign up for our “DDC”.

There are other options to get home – taxi, minibus, close friend or relative or the Home Safe program. Planning to get home by one of these means is helping to make our roads safer by eliminating risks.

Whilst we highlight impaired driving, we must not forget that speeding is also a major concern on our roads. Excessive speed is the cause for many serious collisions in Bermuda. If we slow down, we can decrease a large number of preventable collisions.

The BRSC feels it is necessary to remind pedestrians and pedal cyclists that they also play a part in road safety. When you are out jogging, walking or cycling, whether for exercise or for pleasure, remember to face the traffic coming towards you. Also, if you are out after sundown or even at dusk, please wear reflective gear or bright colors. We want you use the roads, but be safe while doing so. Remember, it is just as important to be seen as it is to be able to see.

As there are always new trends arising, our laws must also stay relevant and up-to-date. In the last 18 -24 months we have seen an increase in electrically assisted pedal cycles on our roads. While some are used for recreation, they have also become a primary mode of transportation for others. There is no danger in using them in itself, however these cycles can get up to speeds of 50km/h, which makes it a danger if not used properly and safely. The Road Safety Council has taken notice of this and will be recommending to the Ministry of Transport that electric assisted cycles be treated as auxiliary and motor bikes. As such they will need to be insured and licensed to ride on the roads and helmets must be worn. We understand that this will upset some owners, but we must put safety before convenience. If a rider is travelling on an electrically assisted pedal cycle at a speed of 40KPH without a helmet, they are exposing themselves to a serious head injury if they were to be involved in a collision. Also if there is a collision with another vehicle, there must be insurance coverage for the owner of the electrically assisted pedal cycle.

I would also like to commend Sargasso Sea and Pickled Onion Restaurant. They have taken upon themselves to come up with creative ways to help reduce the risk of drinking and driving on our roads over the holiday period.

We want this holiday season to be of joy and cheer, and by being responsible and adhering to the rules of the road, we can make this happen.

Chairman of the Road Safety Council Michael Weeks remarks:

Anyone who travels on the water anytime of the year, knows that they are not alone. Summertime recreational boating is more prevalent but the waters around Bermuda also have increased activity during the festive periods.

I am pleased to participate in the press conference to get important messaging out about safely travelling on the water during the holiday period.

I am urging all boaters to exercise good judgment and use common sense when in control of a boat. This includes not drinking alcohol and driving a boat. It is a fact that alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Please be respectful of other water users.

And for those who will be travelling on the water at night, please remember to go slow, be seen, keep a lookout and be bright. You would not drive fast on a dark road without headlights – the same applies on dark water. When darkness restricts your visibility, you must slow down to a safe speed. A safe speed is one at which you can stop and avoid a collision, considering the circumstances and conditions at the time.

Remember, the faster you go, the faster you approach hazards and the less time you have to react. Hitting a hazard at speed can have a greater impact on you, your passengers and your boat.

In Bermuda residents can purchase a boat and operate it without any boating knowledge. Many marine incidents are caused by individuals not having a basic knowledge of marine safety which have led to a loss of life. Often times after an incident questions are raised, “Did the pilot have a licence?”, or “What is the government doing about this to prevent these incidents?” In this regard, the Water Safety Council would like to see the implementation of a mandatory competency exam for the general boating public. Many other coastal jurisdictions require recreational boaters to have operating licences. Data has proven a reduced amount of marine incidents with the implementation of a competence licence.

Boating is a fun activity for all locals and visitors to the island. Having a competent boat operator will help to lower the amount of marine incidents and ensure marine safety for everyone.

Every year the there is an increase in the number of new boaters who excitingly purchase a boat without any water safety knowledge. Educational material on marine safety, boating and moorings regulations are available from the Boats and Moorings section of the Department of Marine and Ports on Middle Road, Paget.

We must do everything within our powers to ensure that we all practice on-water safety.

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