Minister of Transport and Tourism Owen Darrell says Bermuda’s continuing road fatalities demand urgent action, stressing that while stronger legislation is being considered, lasting change must begin with personal responsibility.
Speaking with TNN News following another fatal road traffic collision, the minister was asked whether the island’s recent string of fatal crashes constitutes a crisis. Bermuda recorded 10 road deaths in July alone, raising growing public concern over road safety.
Rather than focusing solely on statistics, Mr. Darrell said every life lost has a devastating impact on families and communities.
“If you ask the mother or family member of the young man that passed last night, they will say absolutely it’s a crisis,” he said. “The only statistic that matters to that family is the one that happened recently.”
The minister emphasized that preventing road deaths requires a collective effort, urging family members and friends to intervene when they know someone is likely to drive recklessly or while impaired by alcohol.
“There has to be a level of personal responsibility,” he said. “Whether it’s someone who has a habit of speeding or someone who has had too much to drink, we all have a responsibility to have those difficult conversations before tragedy occurs.”
Mr. Darrell acknowledged that Bermuda already has laws governing dangerous driving but said many motorists continue to ignore them. He noted that while legislation has its place, changing attitudes and behaviour remains essential.
He revealed that the Government is working with the Minister of National Security, the Attorney General and the Bermuda Police Service to examine additional measures that could strengthen road safety and encourage better driving habits.
Among the issues under review are motorcycle import regulations and concerns that some bikes are being modified beyond their legal specifications after arriving on the island.
“We are looking at everything,” the minister said, adding that discussions are ongoing regarding motorcycles imported outside existing regulations and whether further legislative changes are necessary.
Mr. Darrell also reflected on conversations with grieving families, saying those personal experiences reinforce the need for action beyond statistics.
“When I speak to a mother who has lost her son, she doesn’t talk about statistics or legislation,” he said. “She says she wants her son back.”
While acknowledging that no government can eliminate every road fatality, Mr. Darrell said his goal is to reduce the loss of life through greater public awareness, stronger laws where appropriate and increased penalties for dangerous behaviour.
“We can’t eradicate all deaths on our roads,” he said. “But we can continue to raise awareness, strengthen legislation where necessary and do everything we can to move in the right direction.”
The minister’s comments come amid renewed calls for tougher enforcement and greater public accountability as Bermuda grapples with one of its deadliest periods on the roads in recent years.
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