Bermudians have to work together to eliminate the Island's "terrible'' driving habits.

W.A. (Toppy) Cowen put this message to 180 Berkeley Institute students yesterday, attempting to underline the importance of taking care on Bermuda's roads.

And he encouraged students to join the Hamilton Rotary's Considerate Driving Club so there would be a renewed spirit of unity and commitment in tackling what he considered to be an "out-of-control'' national issue.

"Almost 3,000 people will be involved in some type of traffic mishap this year,'' Mr. Cowen said. "While no one can predict the exact number, the statistics show that approximately 12 people will die mostly caused by speeding, being high on drugs, drunk driving or just being a `cool cat' who chooses to zig zag on our narrow roads.

"Unfortunately, some of those killed might be innocent bystanders.'' Mr. Cowen continued: "Many so-called `accidents' should be called `collisions'. Accidents occur when no one is to blame. Ninety per cent of the injuries on our road can be prevented. They are not accidents.'' He emphasised the tragedy of those people who thought it was "`cool' to sit side-saddle on their bikes with one hand behind their back and pass every vehicle on the road''.

"They are courting disaster,'' Mr. Cowen said, "or looking forward to being `touched by an angel' before they are 21.

"Is it true that there are cycle riders who take extraordinary chances while driving just to see the horrified look on the driver's face of the vehicle being overtaken?,'' he asked.

Mr. Cowen also underlined his belief that destiny is determined by actions.

"Quite simply if you like to ride in an aggressive manner, your destiny, which you decide, might be an extended stay at King Edward. Worse yet you could end up as a paraplegic with someone having to bathe and feed you every day.

"Believe me, none of you would want to be in that situation. Death would be the easy way out.

"On a day when nothing goes (right) this may not matter to you. But what about tomorrow?'' Mr. Cowen explained that, since its formation, the Considerate Drivers Club had already received 1,500 pledges from concerned drivers.

"Once the club's sticker is applied to the back window of a car, cycle or even a helmet, we believe there is a commitment to lead by example that will encourage others to do the same.'' He challenged Berkeley Students to form teams of Considerate Drivers in each class, who would monitor themselves to see who could maintain courtesy and safe speeds on the roads.

"At the end of this school term the school would then select the top student in each class. They would then be honoured by Hamilton Rotary.'' Mr. Cowen also referred to the Canadian-based programme called Smartrisk which was presented at City Hall last month and sought to enlighten youngsters about the dangers of drunk driving.

"The message of this presentation was `Life is full of risks' but also `there are smart risks and stupid risks.' The choice is yours. Remember, as Forrest Gump said: `Stupid is as stupid does'.''