The Bermuda Road Safety Council introduces its slogan for November - Better Late than Never/Slow Down. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on our roads, and we must collectively address this issue to protect the lives of all road users. This campaign is not just about enforcement. It's about fostering a culture of responsible driving, empathy, and shared responsibility.

The Consequences of Speeding

Speeding is not merely a traffic violation; it's a behaviour that has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. It is imperative that we understand the gravity of this issue:‍

• ‍Reduced Reaction Time: Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• ‍Severity of Collisions: High speeds result in more severe and deadly collisions, making it critical to adhere to posted speed limits and adjust speed in adverse conditions.‍
• Impact on Vulnerable Road Users: Speeding poses a particularly severe threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable in accidents involving speeding vehicles.‍
• Economic Costs: Speed-related crashes result in significant economic costs due to medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity.

Our Commitment to Anti-Speeding

The BRSC is committed to taking proactive measures to address the issue of speeding and to create safer roads for everyone. Our Anti-Speeding Campaign focuses on several key principles:

• ‍Education: We work to educate all road users about the dangers of speeding, emphasizing that a few seconds saved are not worth risking lives.‍
• Enforcement: We support law enforcement efforts to target and penalize speeding drivers. Strict enforcement is a necessary part of the solution.‍
• Technology: We explore and advocate for the use of speed-limiting and speed-monitoring technology to encourage responsible driving.‍
• Community Engagement: We engage with our community members to build awareness, foster responsible driving habits, and encourage peer-to-peer accountability.

Your Role in the Anti-Speeding Campaign

To make this campaign successful, we need your support and active participation. Here's how you can contribute to our collective efforts:

• ‍Drive Responsibly: Always obey posted speed limits and adjust your speed to match road and weather conditions.‍
• Be a Role Model: Set an example for others by adhering to speed limits and avoiding aggressive driving.‍
• Report Speeding: If you observe speeding or reckless driving, report it to local law enforcement authorities.‍
• Spread Awareness: Share information and resources related to the dangers of speeding with your friends, family, and social networks.‍
• Support Policy Changes: Advocate for policies and technologies that can help curb speeding on our roads.

Conclusion

Our Anti-Speeding Campaign is a collective effort to make our roads safer for everyone. By working together, we can reduce the number of accidents, save lives, and create a more responsible and empathetic driving culture within our community. From January – October 2023 the BPS has recorded 1,528 speeding offences which is a drastic reduction from the 2,477 recorded offences from January – October 2022. Kudos to the BPS for their efforts and to the public in reducing their speeds.

Let us remember that road safety is a shared responsibility, and it starts with each one of us. Join us in our commitment to end speeding and create safer roads for our community.

Remember Bermuda to Slow down, don’t drink & drive and to use care and caution.

Cautious Drivers = Safer Roads = Safer Bermuda