Road Safety in Bermuda

Road safety in Bermuda is a significant concern, primarily due to narrow, winding roads, limited lighting and footpaths, and dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, reckless overtaking, and distracted driving. The Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC and local police run campaigns to raise awareness and enforce laws.

Key Road Safety Issues

• Road Conditions: Bermuda’s roads are often narrow and winding with few footpaths outside of urban areas, and street lighting is limited, especially at night. Potholes and puddles are also a concern.

• Speeding: Despite a national speed limit of 35 km/h (22 mph) (lower in some urban areas), speeding is common and a leading cause of accidents.

• Scooter Accidents: Accidents between cars and 50cc scooters (often used by tourists, who are not allowed to drive cars) are frequent and have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.

• Impaired/

Reckless Driving: Drunk driving, ignoring stop signs, tailgating, and improper overtaking maneuvers are major contributors to collisions.

• Lack of Awareness: There are ongoing concerns about a lack of public awareness regarding the dangers of risky driving habits and the importance of adhering to the traffic code.

Initiatives and Regulations

• Bermuda Road

Safety Council (BRSC): This organization runs public information campaigns to educate drivers and pedestrians on safe practices, such as obeying traffic signs, scanning ahead, and avoiding distractions.

• Enforcement: The Bermuda Police Service conducts regular speed checks and issues tickets to offenders.

• “Transportation Plan”: The BRSC encourages event organizers to implement pre-arranged transportation plans (minibuses, taxis) for guests who consume alcohol, to prevent impaired driving.

• Driving Laws: Key laws include the national speed limit (35 km/h), the illegality of public drinking, and the requirement to wear seatbelts.

• Helmet Use: While helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists/scooter riders, there have been discussions and campaigns about promoting the use of safer full-face helmets.

Advice for Road Users

• For Drivers/

Riders: Obey the national speed limit (35 km/h), wear seatbelts/helmets, avoid distractions (e.g., mobile phones), do not drive impaired, and be extra cautious of scooter riders and pedestrians due to narrow roads and limited footpaths.

• For Pedestrians: Take care while walking, especially at night when street lighting is limited. Use the railway trails to avoid traffic where possible, and when crossing roads, always stop, look, and listen.

• For Tourists: Tourists are not permitted to drive cars; they typically use buses, taxis, or rental scooters. Exercise extreme caution if hiring a scooter, and be aware that traffic drives on the left.