Emergency workers and road safety campaigners joined forces to mark Road Safety Day yesterday afternoon.

The UK and other Commonwealth countries are marking Road Safety Week from November 16 to 22. Bermuda chose to mark yesterday as Road Safety Day.

The event, held at City Hall, was also the launch of the Bermuda Road Safety Council’s Designated Driver campaign highlighting the importance of having a designated sober driver when travelling under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Dennis Lister III, chairman of the BRSC, invited members of the public to sign up as designated drivers to help the Council in its campaign. Those who sign up pledging to drive their friends receive a designated driver badge, T-shirt and tokens which earn them free soft drinks at selected establishments.

Mr Lister was joined by Anthony Santucci, executive director for CADA, as well as Lawrence Scott, the Minister of Transport, and Inspector Darren Glasford of the Bermuda Police Service in encouraging responsible road behaviour especially in the run up to the festive season.

There were also representatives from Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Bermuda Water Safety Council, Project Ride and emergency medical technicians.

Mr Lister said: “As we head into the holiday festive season we want the public to enjoy this time with friends and family but be responsible and make correct choices.

“If you plan to go out and consume alcohol, plan ahead how you will get home. Our campaign highlights designated drivers but that is not the only way to get home.

“I encourage people to have a number of a taxi driver on hand to call when you need a ride. Everyone has a friend or family member that at 3am would rather receive a call from you asking for a lift home than to receive a call from the police. Call that person and ask them to come and get you.

“If you are going out in a group, hire a minibus to get you out and back home safe.”

A moment’s silence was observed for those who have lost their lives on Bermuda’s roads this year and in years past - there have been six road fatalities this year.

Mr Lister added: “In light of the recent spate of road fatalities and increase of accidents, this is a constant reminder to us of the importance of road safety.

“I take this time to publicly offer condolences on behalf of the BRSC to the families of those that have lost loved ones this year. There is nothing that can replace a lost loved one but we hope that their memory will stay in your hearts for ever.

“One life lost is one life too many, I can’t stress that enough.”

Anyone interested in signing up to be a designated driver can do so by e-mailing bdarsc@gmail.com