Good Afternoon.

I am joined today by Road Safety Council Chairman Dr. Christopher Johnson, Road Safety Officer Roxanne Christopher, Junior Minister Sen. Wayne Caines and Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Jackman.

As you know, this is my tenth year as Transport Minister and I can think of no Road Safety Week more critical than this one. Fresh in our minds are the recent road tragedies that have stolen too many lives far too early.

I’m reminded most strikingly of the three deaths that occurred in the same week not long ago. While that kind of occurrence is an anomaly, it can not be ignored. Road safety has certainly garnered our urgent attention at the Government; I hope it also has the urgent attention of every Bermudian.

We now must decide what we will do in the wake of these tragedies.

One approach is new legislation. Many have already suggested the need. It is being explored.

However, I am compelled to tell you that I don’t know how much new legislation will help our current situation. I believe so many of our road tragedies happen not because of legislation, but in spite of it.

Legislation requires that we wear seatbelts, too often it is ignored.

Legislation carries stiff penalties for those who drive legally drunk, yet it still happens. Legislation outlines a specific speed limit for our roads, yet drivers routinely drive too fast.

This is why I believe this year’s Road Safety Week is a critical moment for us as a country.

We must use this week to remind ourselves that it is crucial to respect the laws of the road.

We must use this week to acknowledge that personal choice is the true driving force when you operate a motor vehicle.

And we must use this week to remember that getting there alive is far more important than arriving on-time.

In a moment, I’ll read the 2008 Proclamation for Road Safety Week.

Typically a proclamation reading is a cursory exercise. We all know it. I am asked to read them from time to time, but the words are often quickly forgotten. Today has to be different. Today’s proclamation must be a call to action by every motorist on our roads.

This year’s Road Safety Week can not be a superficial exercise, it must mean something more. The lives of Bermudians depend upon it.

Without further ado, allow me to read and sign the Road Safety Week Proclamation.