Fri, 2011-12-30

Superintendent Martin Weekes - This year we are pleased to report that the Christmas Holiday period passed with few public order incidents and for that we wish to thank the public for their support. There was of course one serious incidence of robbery in the western area which the Bermuda Police Service is actively following up and for which I reiterate our request for witnesses.

Throughout the Christmas long weekend the Bermuda Police Service, assisted by the Bermuda Reserve Police, deployed extra crime prevention patrols with the intent of reducing incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour and making Bermuda safer. Whilst there were some minor incidents of violence in and around licenced premises they were swiftly and robustly dealt with and there were no serious injuries reported.

Significant attention was also focused on Bermuda’s roads and a number of persons were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving during the period.

Going forward into the New Year the Bermuda Police Service wishes to advise the public that we will be continuing in the same vein, and supported by the Bermuda Reserve Police, will continue to show a strong, highly visible police presence throughout the long New Year’s weekend.

Police resources will be visible throughout the New Year’s festivities on Saturday night and the football games around the island on New Year’s Day. 

Patrols will again be paying particular attention to offences of impaired driving this weekend and we ask the motoring public for their patience when travelling on the roads this weekend where they are caught up in road checks designed to keep our roads safe.

I would also like at this stage, to bring to the attention of the motoring public that following the New Year’s holidays, the Bermuda Police Service will be “ramping up” its response to the new legislation regarding the using of hand held mobile phones and other hand held devices whilst driving.

Everyone is now of course aware of the legislation and the penalties for contravention, and the Bermuda Police Service will be out on the roads after the weekend rigorously enforcing the new rules. I therefore urge the motoring public to take the time now to think about their behaviours in regards to using cell phones and other devices whilst driving and modify that behaviour accordingly before they get a ticket or another collision takes place.

On behalf of the Commissioner of Police I wish the public a safe and Happy New Year.

Road Safety Officer Mr. David Minors - On behalf of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, I would like to extend our heartfelt best wishes to Bermuda for a prosperous New Year in 2012!  It is an honour and a blessing to live in a time such as this – the New Year signals new beginnings, new challenges and fresh new experiences that we can embrace.

Bermuda let us seize the opportunity to embrace this New Year by pledging to drive better - drive smarter – drive safer.  Our focus during this holiday season was “Making Sure to Be There to Make Memories” – highlighting the family spirit throughout the island.  We reflected on how truly precious life is.  Bermuda let us continue, as we go into the New Year, with that same ideal - cherishing the moments we have together and making healthy decisions.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council encourages all of the motoring public to adhere to the rules of the road. Slow down, and take your time.  Secure your helmets correctly, fasten your seat belts, and PLEASE don’t drink and drive (i.e. use designated drivers, taxis, etc.).  Celebrations are better when we ALL can enjoy them.

Additionally, The Road Safety Council would like to inform the public that our friends from the Bermuda Police Service will be out enforcing the rules of the road – including the cell phone law.  This enforcement initiative focused on cell phone usage while driving will be the specific target of all officers and will commence January 4, 2012.  The penalty for the offence is a $500 fine, with possible driving disqualification, as well as demerit points placed on your license. 

The Bermuda Road Safety Council and its members encourage every individual to adhere to the law and drive safe this holiday weekend and throughout 2012.  If we all commit to improving our own driving habits, we can create safer roads for all Bermuda.  Again, we encourage all of Bermuda to be safe this New Year.

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