Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell is urging motorists and pedestrians to take care on the roads after two elderly women were involved in accidents at crossings in recent days.

Last Thursday a 79-year-old woman was hit by a car on Middle Road in Southampton. According to police, the woman was believed to be using a marked pedestrian crossing at the time.

And on Wednesday another 79-year-old woman was hit by a motorcycle on South Road in Devonshire. Both women required hospital treatment for their injuries.

This afternoon Mr Crockwell said: “It is important that all road users work together to reduce the incidents of collisions with pedestrians”

“Motorists need to be conscientious when approaching crosswalks as well as when approaching walkers on our roads. And likewise pedestrians need to ensure their safety by taking extra precautions and paying close attention to motorists.

“Road safety is an issue that keeps this Ministry busy. It remains a priority as we have an unacceptable high number of collisions on our roads and too many people losing their lives. I cannot stress enough that we must all do our part here. We must all take responsibility in ensuring that our roads are safe.”

Motorists are reminded to drive responsibly and always make good decisions while using our roads. Slow down, use care and caution, do not drink and drive, pay very close attention and always obey the rules of the road.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council has provided the following safety information for pedestrians as well as motorists.

As a pedestrian:

First — find a safe place to cross. This is where there is space to reach the pavement on the other side. Where there is a crossing nearby, use it. It is safer to cross using a zebra or pelican crossing and always activate the light, if available. Otherwise choose a place to cross where you can see clearly in all directions.

Stop just before you get to the kerb

Stay alert — do not be distracted by phones or music

Look all around for traffic and listen Traffic could come from all direction, so listen well because you can sometimes hear traffic before you see it.

If traffic is coming, let it pass.

Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic and you are certain that there is plenty of time to cross safety.

Make sure that drivers see you before you cross.

Wait until the traffic has come to a complete stop and allow you to cross.

When it is safe, go straight across the road — do not run

Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross, in case there is any traffic you did not see, or suddenly appears. Look out for cycles travelling between lanes of traffic. Do not walk diagonally across the road.

As a motorist:

Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road;

Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning;

Remember, stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones.