BRSC Focus: Better Late Than Never/Slow Down

The Bermuda Road Safety Council [BRSC] introduced their monthly Road Safety focus for November 2021 – which is “Better Late Than Never/Slow Down,” with the BRSC also reminding the public of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which is held on Sunday, November 21st.

A spokesperson said, “As we approach the holiday season, the BRSC again reminds the motoring public to reduce your speed. This is why we have chosen the monthly topic for November as – Better Late than Never/Slow Down. With this topic, we will emphasise how important speed limits are and why they are in place.

“Speed limits were created to enhance road safety and reduce the risk of traffic collisions. Without speed limits, there would be mayhem on our roads because everyone would be able to drive at whatever speed they choose. That is definitely a recipe for disaster.

“Alone, speeding is dangerous. However, when it is combined with driving under the influence, driving without care and attention or while using a device, the chances of a collision increases tremendously.

“The Traffic Code Handbook clearly states the speed limits in Bermuda as:-

• All Roads – 35 kilometers per hour

• Town of St. George’s and Dockyard – 25 kilometers per hour

• L.F. Wade International Airport – 25 kilometers per hour

• Somerset Bridge and Hamilton Wharf – 15 kilometers per hour

• St. George’s Wharf – 8 kilometers per hour

“When driving in the municipal areas; e.g. the Town of St. George and the City of Hamilton and also at the Royal Naval Dockyard and the L.F. Wade International Airport, a higher degree of attention is required from drivers as there are many distractions and less reaction time. This is why the speed limit is 25 km/h in these areas. While the speed limit is increased on roads outside of municipalities, this does not mean we should travel at an excessive speed. The speed limit is 35km/h and should be adhered to at all times.

“Speeding is a leading cause of serious injury and fatal collisions in Bermuda. It is for this reason that the BRSC consistently encourages all motorists to do their part to help make our roads safer. Adhering to the speed limits will go a long way to us achieving this goal. One good habit to develop is to create more travelling time by leaving five [5] or ten [10] minutes earlier than usual. This is especially important if your journey encounters roadworks governed by temporary traffic lights. The idea is to give yourself ample time to calmly arrive at your destination. It may also be of benefit to choose an alternate route to avoid traffic congestion.

“The BRSC is extremely thankful to the business Sargasso Sea for their commitment to safer roads. Recently, this business made a request of the public to report any of their delivery drivers/riders who were travelling at an excessive speed or driving/riding in a dangerous manner. The BRSC supports this effort because the safety of the delivery personnel and other motorists should be paramount to the vendors of food or products.

“The BRSC takes this opportunity to remind the public of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which is held on Sunday, November 21, 2021. If you have lost a loved one on our roads, we ask that you please submit a photo and a brief message to bdarsc@gmail.com. Our plan is to create a memorial video which will be posted on our social media outlets on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

“In closing, as always, the BRSC encourages all motorists to reduce your speed, drive with care, caution and courtesy and don’t drink and drive.”

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