Bermuda’s road fatality statistics remain alarmingly consistent year after year, highlighting the urgent need for effective safety measures. Despite various efforts, the number of road deaths has shown little to no significant decrease. With a population that has gone down by approximately 5,000 people over the past 20 years, this stagnation in improving road safety is particularly concerning. It is evident that major changes are necessary if we are to save lives on our roads.

Road death statistics

Each year, Bermuda loses an average of ten people in road crashes, a significant portion of whom are motorcyclists or scooter riders, often individuals under the age of 30. This demographic represents a tragic loss, as these young lives are cut short, often in the prime of their life.

Full-face v half-face

The statistics clearly indicate that half-face helmets are significantly more dangerous than full-face helmets. Research shows that motorcyclists wearing half-face helmets are twice as likely to sustain head and brain injuries compared with those wearing full-face helmets. Full-face helmets provide comprehensive coverage, including critical protection for the chin and jaw, areas highly susceptible to injury in crashes.

A pivotal study revealed that full-face helmets reduce the risk of facial injuries by 45.3 per cent, largely owing to the inclusion of a chin bar that absorbs impacts. Conversely, half-face helmets leave the face exposed, making riders more vulnerable to severe injuries. In addition, the likelihood of a helmet staying on during a crash is higher with full-face models, further enhancing rider safety.

A call for action

Given the clear dangers associated with half-face helmets, it is imperative that Bermuda takes decisive action. Banning motorcycles and scooters entirely may be too radical and unpopular, despite the potential to save up to ten lives a year. Instead, a more practical and immediately effective measure would be to phase out and eventually ban half-face helmets.

Policy recommendations

1, Implement a ban on half-face helmets: Gradually phase out the sale and use of half-face helmets, mandating the use of full-face helmets for all motorcyclists and scooter riders. This transition can be supported by subsidy programmes or financial incentives to help riders to upgrade their helmets

2, Increase public awareness: Launch an extensive public awareness campaign to educate riders about the superior safety benefits of full-face helmets. Highlighting real-life stories and statistics can drive home the importance of making this switch

3, Enforce stringent regulations: Once the grace period is over, ensure that helmet regulations are strictly enforced, with regular checks and penalties for noncompliance. This can significantly improve adherence to the new safety standards

4, Enhance safety training: Include helmet safety as a key component of motorcycle training programmes. Riders should be taught not only how to ride safely but also the critical importance of using the right protective gear

5, Addressing tourist safety: Special attention should be given to tourists who are often provided half-face helmets and may lack experience with scooters. Ensuring they have full-face helmets could prevent numerous crashes and injuries.

Highlighting existing efforts

The Royal Gazette’s Drive for Change campaign, the Bermuda Road Safety Council and CADA have been pivotal in promoting road safety. Drive for Change, for example, focuses on impaired driving, speeding and the lack of adequate training. These organisations advocate for roadside sobriety testing, speed cameras and a graduated licensing programme — all crucial steps towards enhancing road safety.

The Health in Review Report (2nd edition) released by the Ministry of Health shows that Bermuda’s road mortality rate is close to three times the average for member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Bermuda ranks 37th out of 42 OECD and affiliated countries for male mortality and has an overall mortality rate of 15 per 100,000. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for comprehensive safety measures.

The BermudaSmartRisk study, conducted by Joseph Froncioni and colleagues, recommended several key measures to improve road safety, including mandatory motorbike instruction, increased police presence, and well-publicised sobriety checks at peak injury times. The study also highlighted the importance of proper helmet-fastening to reduce head injuries, which account for three quarters of all road fatalities.

Bermuda’s road safety record will not improve without bold and decisive action. By phasing out half-face helmets and mandating full-face helmets, we can make a substantial impact on reducing road fatalities and protecting the lives of our young riders. It is time for Bermuda to prioritise safety over convenience and make the necessary changes to safeguard our future.

• Gilbert A. Darrell has a background in business, technology and emergency services, and is the founder of Bermuda Air Ambulance

References:

1, Shifting-Gears: This source provided information on the increased risks associated with half-face helmets, including their higher likelihood of sustaining head injuries compared with full-face helmets. It also highlighted the protection offered by full-face helmets, specifically in reducing facial injuries by 45.3 per cent

2, Helmets Lab: This source detailed the statistical risks of using half-face helmets versus full-face helmets, including the doubled risk of head and brain injuries for riders using half-face helmets

3, Team Motorcycle: This article provided context on the overall safety benefits of full-face helmets, including their comprehensive coverage and protection during crashes.

4. The Royal Gazette’s Drive for Change campaign: The campaign aims to address the broad spectrum of road safety issues in Bermuda, including impaired driving, speeding, and inadequate training. It advocates for specific measures such as roadside sobriety testing and speed cameras.

5. Health in Review Report (2nd Edition): This report from the Ministry of Health provides a global comparison of Bermuda’s road death and injury rates, emphasising Bermuda’s high mortality rate relative to other OECD countries

6, BermudaSmartRisk Study: Conducted by Joseph Froncioni, this study recommended several measures to improve road safety in Bermuda, including mandatory motorbike instruction and increased police presence

7, Joseph Froncioni’s Presentation at Bermuda’s Road Safety Summit: This presentation highlighted the correlation between speed and crash risk and the importance of comprehensive safety measures