Due to the nature of Bermuda's roads, driving requires both concentration and skill.

And then there are the extra challenges facing drivers of the larger vehicles like buses and trucks! At regular intervals roads narrow and bus operators often face hazards such as poles and overhanging branches. The operator must be constantly aware of the road ahead, obstructions above and to the side of the vehicle.

There are many points on the Island that may be considered potentially dangerous, those which require special attention at all times. The Public Transportation Board have identified the following problem areas for the benefit of new bus operators in their training course: St Luke's Road, St. David's "St. David's consists of 43 bends, both inbound and outbound and most of the road may be considered narrow. On St. Luke's Road, which is two-way, one has to cross the centre line to negotiate the road safely. The operator must be constantly aware of oncoming traffic to avoid potential incidents.'' Bailey's Bay corner "Bailey's Bay corner has a potential hazard in the form of an electricity pole which is situated in the middle of the corner. To avoid a possible incident, the operator must survey well in advance. If the pole is to be avoided the rear of the bus must cross the centre line.

"The operator must make a decision as to the amount of clearance the bus has, when negotiating the corner, with oncoming traffic. If it is necessary to stop, the four-way signals should be applied and the operator should use a hand signal to prevent traffic from overtaking, as seen in the photo.'' Old Battery "On Route One, 500 yards east of Pink Beach, a road section with a wall on each side narrows, making passing of two moving buses impossible. On the approach, one should slow down and observe oncoming traffic. It is necessary to stop for an oncoming bus or truck.

"Remember, to stop in a potentially hazardous situation is to exercise good defensive driving technique. As can be seen from the photograph, the bus is positioned as close to the wall as is safely possible and yet still crosses the centre line. Mirrors protrude from the body of the bus, making them the first point of contact in a near side accident. If struck, the mirrors are forced into the side windows or windscreens and could cause the glass to break.'' Harrington Sound Archway "There are few bridges or archways in Bermuda. On Route Three the Harrington Sound arch is located approximately 300 yards from the old Palmetto Hotel.

Between the centre of the archway and the top of the air conditioner is approximately 12 inches clearance.

"To pass through the archway safely, one must position the bus close to the centre line in the road. The approach to the arch is very important as this positions the bus in the correct position to pass through the arch without incident.'' Flatt's Village "Flatts Village corner is situated on Routes Ten and 11 and is located approximately 50 yards east of the gas station. Incorporated in this corner are three areas which make manoeuvring the vehicle difficult. The first problem is the corner of the wall of the house which juts out, so one has to cross the centre line to avoid contact.

"The second problem is the nearly blind corner. The approach speed must be kept to a minimum as often buses or large vehicles may be travelling in the opposite direction. Remember, your approach speed needs to be correct as theirs may not. "The third potential hazard is pedestrians. As can be seen from the above photo, the pedestrian standing by the wall saw the bus and stopped. As this is a blind corner neither the operator nor the pedestrian could see each other until the last moment.'' Aquarium "On the same route, Ten and 11, the road narrows approximately 300 yards past the Aquarium when travelling in an easterly direction. The narrowing is caused by a wall which has an incline towards the road.

"On approach, slow down and assess oncoming traffic. If a large vehicle is approaching, slow let the other vehicle through. If the operator decides the best option is to stop, a hand signal should be given to stop traffic from overtaking. In this area trucks and other buses have clipped mirrors, confirming what little road is available.'' Police Diving School "There is a section of road approximately 300 yards west of the diving school. This section is very twisty and surrounded by high walls which narrow at various points along the section.

"Due to the nature of the road, passing at normal speed is difficult and in one area, impossible. Approach this section with extreme caution. Through this section of road, keep in mind the overhang at the rear of the bus.

"It is possible to keep the bus wheels on the correct side of the road and still swipe a passing vehicle. The picture poses a rare situation. As can be seen, two large vehicles cannot pass at this particular point, if both are at speed, nor can they pass if one is stopped, as they will wedge. Both vehicles must be moving slowly to pass without incident.'' Devonshire Dock "At this location you can often encounter parked cars on the approach to the narrow section. The narrow area must be assessed and speed adjusted accordingly.

"As can be seen in the photo, the pole on the apex of the corner on the left hand lane narrows the road width by 12 inches. This is at the most critical point of the corner. It is possible to pass at this point whilst moving, but accurate judgment is essential. If one has any doubts about clearance, the best policy is to stop and further assess the situation.'' Langton Hill, Pembroke "Langton Hill is located on Route Four and has various obstacles that should be observed. The hill has both an incline and a decline which must be negotiated with little passing room for oncoming traffic. In wet conditions the road is extremely slippery, especially when travelling inbound towards St.

John's Church. Along this section of road there are concealed entrances which are a potential hazard to bus operators and the driver of the other vehicle.

The area needs to be surveyed constantly for that potential hazard.

"When approaching St. John's Church, there are often parked cars which force the operator over into the opposite lane, whilst approaching an intersection coming off the steep hill on a bend. This section must be approached with caution at all times.'' Spicelands Riding School "Here, the overhanging hedge will prevent the operator from getting too close to the wall. Again the rear of the bus must be observed as it is possible to side-swipe oncoming vehicles. Speed control is an important factor in negotiating this section safely.

"It is difficult for two large vehicles to pass. When in doubt as to clearance, the operator should stop the bus and allow the oncoming traffic to pass. One should check all mirrors for possible hazards. There are concealed entrance ways in the area that you should observe and prepare for.'' Four Ways Inn Corner "Travelling east on Route Eight, Four Ways Inn corner can be found about 200 yards past Four Ways restaurant. When negotiating this corner the rear wheels will cut the centre line, narrowing the distance between the bus and oncoming traffic.

"The rear of the bus must be observed when negotiating the corner in order to avoid swiping oncoming traffic. One should also observe the pole as this imposes a further reduction in road width. It is partially concealed by foliage and can surprise the operator. If it is necessary to serve suddenly the operator must avoid traffic in the opposite lane.'' Waterlot Hill "Waterlot Hill is a potential hazard for the operator. It is imperative to survey the area before entering. When confronted with an oncoming large vehicle, the operator must stop as there is not enough road width for both vehicles to pass without contact.'' Pender Road Dockyard "Pender Road is situated on Routes Seven and Eight just before entering Dockyard main gate. Portions of Pender Road are so narrow it is impossible for two buses to pass. It is important to adhere to the schedule to avoid oncoming buses. However, there are special service buses which may cause a potential hazard. As can be seen from the above picture, there is little room for the buses to pass. Note the distance between the bus and the wall and between the two buses' wing mirrors. This is the widest point on the road. When a large vehicle is approaching, the operator must stop before the steps, which can be seen on the right-hand side. Proceed when the road is clear. Wait for oncoming cars because the bus will cross the centre line into the path of oncoming traffic.'' Dockyard Gate "Dockyard main gate must be negotiated as you enter and leave Dockyard. On the entrance to Dockyard, one must cross the centre line to position the vehicle for a clear passage. There is only six inches of clearance on either side of the bus. "Do not deviate from the approach path until the vehicle is completely through the gate.

Due to the width, it is very easy to side-swipe the concrete pillars on both entrance or exit. Inbound traffic has the right of way.'' Mirror Mirror: Precious few inches separate the mirrors of these buses on the stretch of road outside the Prison Officer's Club in Dockyard.

Over the line: The two-way St. Luke's Road, St. David's is barely wide enough for a bus to pass.

Squeezing through: Flatts Village, with its narrow street, was not designed with buses in mind Archway: The bridge on Harrington Sound Road which poses a challenge for bus operators.

Against the wall: This bus hugs the wall just west of Spicelands Riding School as a truck goes by.

Tight fit: Six inches on each side is all that remains when Bermuda's buses pass through the Dockyard gate.

In tomorrow's Lifestyle, Nancy Acton interviews retiring businessman Earl Matthews about his twin careers as a shoemaker and prison officer, his love of sports and music, and his lifelong interest in helping young people and adults progress and develop into responsible citizens.