Bermuda's Police community has paid tribute to former Assistant Commissioner James McMaster, who died yesterday at the age of 78 after his motorcycle collided with a bus.

The accident marks the eighth road traffic fatality of 2009, and comes two days after a three-vehicle crash which caused the death of 22-year-old father Delmont Browne.

Bermuda Road Safety Council Chairman Dr. Christopher Johnson spoke out in the wake of the two fatalities, asking Bermuda's community leaders to start seriously discussing road safety.

"We are a small community and the loss of two men in such a small space of time is truly tragic," he said. "Sadly, road fatalities and collisions are preventable phenomena. Parents, teachers, community leaders, families, clergy, and friends should use these tragedies as a springboard to discuss road safety and the prevention of injury and fatalities on the roads of Bermuda."

Public Safety Minister David Burch offered his condolences to the families of the two men. While Sen. Burch said he is aware that both incidents are under investigation, he warned motorists to be vigilant and exercise caution when travelling the Island's roads.

Longtime police officer Mr. McMaster died when his motorbike collided with a bus at the junction of South Road and Mission Road, near Modern Mart, at 10.30 a.m.

He was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and later pronounced dead.

Current and former police officers expressed shock and sadness at his death, calling the Northern Ireland native an excellent policeman and a devoted family man.

"The Bermuda Police Service family is saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely death of former Assistant Commissioner of Police James McMaster due to a road traffic collision," said spokesman Dwayne Caines. "Mr. McMaster joined the Bermuda Police Force on March 18, 1952 at the age of 21 and during his career was awarded the Colonial Police Medal in 1967, the Long Service Medal in 1970 and the Queen's Police Medal in 1978. The Bermuda Police Service extends our sincerest condolences to the family of former Assistant Commissioner of Police James McMaster at this difficult time."

Bermuda Ex-Police Officers' Association vice president Roger Sherratt remembers serving under Mr. McMaster during his time as Assistant Commissioner or Chief Superintendent, as his role was then known.

"He was a very efficient policeman and did a very good job in charge of the Traffic Department," he said. "He served the Force well. He was always happily married and we certainly extend our condolences to his wife Daisy on her loss. We are very saddened by his passing."

He added that, as a traffic officer, Mr. McMaster was a careful driver who adhered to the rules of the road.

"He was an exceptionally careful driver," he said. "He was meticulous. He wasn't one to overtake and always obeyed traffic laws."

Former policeman Dave Cook, who served as Mr. McMaster's clerk in the 1960s, remembers him as well-respected officer and a believer in hard work.

"This has hit me very hard," said Mr. Cook. "I got to know him as a person. He was a disciplinarian who wanted to get the job done properly. I had a great respect for him. Years after his retirement, when I'd see him in the streets, we would stop and chat. He will be missed very much by the people who worked with him."

The Government, Opposition, and road safety organisations also expressed their condolences to the families of Mr. McMaster and Mr. Browne, with Acting Transport Minister Nelson Bascome saying road safety must be viewed as Bermuda's "foremost priority" by every rider, driver and pedestrian.

"On behalf of the Government I express my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Browne and Mr. McMaster," Mr. Bascome said. "Like so many Bermudians over the past 72 hours, I was deeply troubled and saddened to learn of these incidents which represent the seventh and eighth road fatalities on our roads. We should all be reminded that road safety must be our foremost priority at every possible moment whether we are operating a vehicle, riding as a passenger or even merely a pedestrian."

Shadow Transport Minister Sen. Michael Fahy called the two road deaths "tragic", and called on all Bermuda residents to tackle the Island's road fatality epidemic.

"It is with terrible sadness to learn of two more road traffic deaths within 48 hours of each other," he said. "They are a reminder of the ongoing tragedy on our roads and the difficult public policy challenge it poses coming as they did after lengthy debate in the House of Assembly on the very issue of road safety. On behalf of the United Bermuda Party, I extend our condolences to the families of the two road accident victims."

He added: "All of us need to work together to solve this problem, which is out of control and is taking far more lives than gun crime."

Angel Nottingham of road safety advocacy group Remembering Our Loved Ones (R.O.L.O) offered her group's support to the families of Mr. Browne and Mr. McMaster.

"We'd like to extend our condolences to both their families, and we offer our support at any time," she said.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to both collisions to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 295-0011.