*MCT illustration
*MCT illustration
Those who read my blog Bermuda Blue will know that I am not very complimentary about driving habits in Bermuda.

It never ceases to amaze me how many drivers think that it’s okay to line up the back of the front tyres on the stop sign while the rest of the car sticks out into the road.

My latest post on this issue was called ‘Murder on our Roads’ and quoted the police as saying: “In 2008 there were 17 road fatalities and this year there have been six so far — 76 in total since 2008.

But in that same period there were 40 murders. Where is the risk to life in Bermuda?

It’s on our roads. “In those years there were 28 gang-related murders — you’re more than twice as likely to die on the roads as in a gang-related murder.”

That last part is worth repeating: “You’re more than twice as likely to die on the roads as in a gang-related murder.” Amazing.

Those quotes were taken from a police press conference where it was announced they would be having a road safety campaign.

Excellent news, but no details of what will happen have yet been released.

If a campaign is going to work, it must have several attributes: it must not stop because some people are bored doing it; it absolutely has to be well funded; it must have longevity and it must be hard hitting — shocking if needs be.

It must also involve every aspect of the community — as well as law enforcement, it must teach those about to use the roads about safety — it must have the support of the courts and it will hopefully have continued and enthusiastic cross-media support.

A media ‘name and shame’ campaign would work wonders. The culture that supports poor driving habits and, in particular, drinking and driving, has to change.

This is a good way to start.


PS: The other day I was trying to contact some people for a project I am working on.

How on earth do I reach that many people?

Easy. I Tweeted them, I contacted them through Facebook and LinkedIn, I e-mailed them and I texted them.

Not once did I call them. Interesting.


PPS: I took a break from writing this column as my ‘day job’ was getting busy.

I must thank Editor Tony McWilliam for asking me to make a comeback.

Jeremy Deacon runs public relations company Deep Blue Communications and writes his blog Bermuda Blue. You can reach him at jdeacon@deepbluecommunications.bm