As Bermuda prepares for another festive holiday weekend, police patrols will be increased across the island, with road sobriety checkpoints expected to be in full operation in an effort to combat one of the country’s most persistent and dangerous problems — drinking and driving.
During daylight hours, officers from the Transport Control Department patrol Bermuda’s roads, monitoring motorists and ensuring safety standards are upheld also exercising license checks, vehicle registration, and insurance checks. But when night falls, another reality takes over — one that has plagued this island for years and continues to claim lives, destroy families, and overcrowd the courts.
Drunk driving remains a curse hanging over Bermuda.
Years ago, entertainer Bootsy released a song many Bermudians still sing today: “Bermudians love to drink. Any occasion, any persuasion, Bermudians love to drink.” The lyrics were catchy and entertaining, but behind them was a truth the island has yet to fully confront.
Bermuda does love to drink, and than drive is the problem.
From holiday parties to social gatherings, alcohol has become deeply woven into the island’s culture. But what has not been taken seriously enough is the deadly consequence that often follows — getting behind the wheel impaired.
The courts have attempted to crack down harder on offenders. Penalties for drunk driving now include fines ranging from $1,500 and lengthy driving bans, often removing offenders from Bermuda’s roads for up to 18 months. Yet despite the tougher penalties, the problem continues.
TNN News has repeatedly reported on individuals appearing before the courts for second and even third drunk driving offenses. Fines increase. Suspensions increase. But the behavior continues.
And while many offenders lose their licenses, another troubling trend has emerged. Some simply turn to electric bikes to remain mobile — and even then, police have caught individuals operating electric bikes while intoxicated.
This raises a deeper question Bermuda must now face: Is this simply a legal issue, or is it a cultural crisis?
What was once viewed as a “Bermudian problem” has now widened. Court reports have also shown guest workers being charged with drunk driving offenses, suggesting that the island’s drinking culture may be influencing more than just locals.
The issue is no longer isolated. It is systemic.
As police prepare for increased enforcement over the holiday weekend, the message is clear: enforcement alone will not solve this crisis. Bermuda must begin taking a serious and honest look at its relationship with alcohol and the normalization of drinking and driving before another life is lost.
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