Tag: road safety

Clock change cancellation could save UK economy ÂŁ160m a year

Based on previous Government estimates that 80 lives a year could be saved by scrapping the October clock change, the UK could reduce the number of people killed on our roads by four and a half per cent and save the economy £160m, says the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, who is calling on the Government to stop the practice.

The charity believes that moving to a permanent daylight-saving system would significantly improve road safety, especially for vulnerable road users such as children, pedestrians and cyclists.

“Every year there are unnecessary victims of road collisions throughout the winter months during commutes to work or school which could easily be avoided if the Government scrapped the process of changing the clocks,” comments Neil Greig, Policy and Research Director at IAM RoadSmart.

“Young pedestrians under 15 are already a huge ‘at risk’ group for road safety, and that risk becomes even greater as the nights draw in.

“Stopping the change of clocks would be easy to implement and, without question, would save lives – there are no good road safety reasons why this isn’t happening. The UK should at least set up a two-year trial to prove the benefits once and for all.”

Indeed, in November and December 2019, the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths and injuries rose by 344 (from 6,787 to 7,131 representing a five per cent increase) compared with the two months prior to the clock change. 

Well-established figures prove that casualty rates rise between 3pm and 7pm as the days shorten. IAM RoadSmart warns that the dark afternoons are an especially dangerous time for youngsters coming home, with less supervision and individuals heading off to different activities at different times during this key period.

To facilitate the improvement, IAM RoadSmart recommended earlier this year that to allow extra daylight in the afternoons, we should not put the clocks back this winter, then next March move one hour ahead – and then go back one hour in October 2021 – a so called ‘double British summer time’.

Neil concluded: “Clearly it is now unfortunately too late to do anything ahead of this weekend, but we urge the Government to reconsider its policy ahead of next March.

“Road safety is now about small incremental gains from a number of policy changes and daylight saving could play its part in helping break the current flat lining in road deaths we are seeing in this country.”

In 1968, the UK Government carried out a three-year experiment which saw the clocks not being put back from March until October 1971, essentially staying in summer time for three years.

Throughout the experiment figures were collected at peak times which revealed that around 2,500 fewer people were killed or injured during the winters where the clocks weren’t put back – this represented a reduction of nearly 12 per cent.

Consultation to boost road safety and close mobile phone loophole

  • consultation launched to update law on using a hand-held device while driving
  • changes will help bolster enforcement and improve safe driving behaviour
  • further measures – including a review into roads policing – to tackle phone use at the wheel and improve road safety

People using a hand-held mobile phone in all circumstances while driving will be breaking the law, under new government plans unveiled by Roads Minister Baroness Vere today (17 October 2020) to close a legislation loophole and improve road safety.

It’s already a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while driving, but not for other actions such as taking photos. While still distracting, drivers have escaped punishment due to a legal loophole where such actions aren’t seen as ‘interactive communication’, and therefore do not fit the current definition of the offence.

Now, following a review of the offence, a consultation has been launched on bringing the law into line with modern technology â€“ meaning drivers caught taking photos, playing games or scrolling through a playlist behind the wheel will be clearly breaking the law on mobile phone use.

Recognising that mobile phones are commonly used as a method of payment – such as at drive-thrus – an exemption will apply under the new proposals set out by government today to contactless payments, if a vehicle is stationary, and if goods or services – such as a takeaway meal – are delivered immediately.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our roads are some of the safest in the world, but we want to make sure they’re safer still by bringing the law into the 21st century.

“That’s why we’re looking to strengthen the law to make using a hand-held phone while driving illegal in a wider range of circumstances – it’s distracting and dangerous and for too long risky drivers have been able to escape punishment but this update will mean those doing the wrong thing will face the full force of the law.”

Ministers have rejected calls to go further by banning the use of hands-free functions – drivers will still be able to continue safely using devices ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat-nav secured in a cradle.

The proposals come as new research published today gives a further snapshot into driver behaviour in the UK.

The project, commissioned by the Department for Transport and carried out by the University of Leeds, looked at footage of 51 drivers and found over 765 trips, 662 mobile phone interactions were observed with only 38 completely hands-free. At 30mph, a car travels 100 feet in 2.3 seconds – meaning even a split-second lapse from changing a song on a playlist or checking an app could result in a crash.

By updating the law, police powers will be bolstered to tackle this behaviour even further – ensuring they can take immediate action if they see a driver holding and using their phone at the wheel. The penalties in place for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving are 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is incredibly dangerous and being distracted at the wheel can change lives forever.

“Police will take robust action against those using a hand-held mobile phone illegally and proposals to make the law clearer are welcome.”

AA president Edmund King OBE said: “There’s no excuse for picking up a mobile phone when driving so we’re pleased this loophole will be closed. Phones do so much more than calls and texts, so it’s only right that the law is changed to keep pace with technology. Tweets, TikTok and Instagram snaps can all wait until you park up.

“These new rules will clarify the law and help drivers realise that this dangerous act can have the same consequences and be as socially unacceptable as drink driving. If you cannot resist the temptation to pick up your phone, then you should convert your glovebox into a phone box.”

The government is also tackling phone use behind the wheel through a review of road traffic policing and wider traffic enforcement â€“ to look at how roads policing currently works, its effectiveness, and where improvements could be made.

As well as this, the department runs dedicated THINK! campaigns to show drivers the risk they’re taking and the potentially devastating impact of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

In addition, the road safety action plan sets out over 70 measures to reduce the number of people killed or injured on roads around the country.

How to avoid autumnal road hazards

As temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, drivers have been offered advice on how to avoid the dangers autumn can bring to UK roads.

The motoring experts at  LeaseVan.co.uk  have revealed their best advice for coping with autumnal hazards on the roads.

From replacing wiper blades to checking and replacing fog lights, drivers have been offered tips for preparing to drive in the low sun, rain, chilly mornings and sudden fog that autumn can bring.

The LeaseCar team have also looked at other potential hazards, like driving in the dark and avoiding animals which are more active in autumn.

Tim Alcock from  LeaseVan.co.uk  said: “Since we’ve been able to get out of our homes and back onto the roads, drivers will have gotten used to the warm dry weather, but with autumn just around the corner we wanted to make sure motorists were prepared for the potential dangers the change in weather can bring.

“We’ve compiled some advice for the different hazards, but the most important thing drivers need to remember is to slow down and leave plenty of room between them and the car in front.

“It’s also important to make sure your vehicle is in top condition too. Checking the wiper blades, bulbs and anti-freeze regularly is a must.”

1. Wet weather

Quick showers and heavy downpours can be dangerous to drive through. Rainwater mixing with the oil, dirt and grime on the roads can make then slick and slippery. Slow down and make sure you have enough stopping distance should you need to break suddenly.

2. Dazzle

Low sun can cause a problem at this time of year making it difficult to see. Make sure you carry a pair of sunglasses in the car, use the sun visors and keep the windscreen clean. A grimy windscreen can make the glare worse. If you are being dazzled, slow down.

3. Wet leaves

A patch of wet leaves can be just as dangerous as a big puddle. Reduce your speed before driving onto them, and remember, they may be hiding a pothole or other road hazard.

4. Driving in the dark

Being ready for night-time driving is essential. Check the bulbs in your headlights and taillights and when you’re on the road, slow down and keep an eye out for pedestrians.

5. Chilly mornings

The onset of autumn and winter means a dip in temperatures. Make sure your anti-freeze has been checked and you have everything you need to scrape the windscreen.

6. Icy roads

More of a problem during winter months, but some autumnal mornings can be icy. Try not to break suddenly or take corners too quickly. Be gentle with your acceleration and manoeuvres.

7. Fog

Fog can be a sudden hazard and it’s best to avoid driving if it’s too heavy. If you are caught out by quick falling fog, keep your speed low, use dipped lights and fog lights rather than full beamed lights and allow plenty of room for the car in front.

8. Animals

Deer are most active during the autumn months, October in particular, and are known to dart out into the road. If you see a deer, slow down and continue as usual.

9. Wiper blades

After a summer of sunshine, it’s time to check your wiper blades. If they squeak as they wipe, it’s time to replace them.

September’s new reg plate heralds opportunity for in-car infotainment familiarisation

  • IAM RoadSmart calls for Government and vehicle manufacturers to enforce greater education and familiarisation of new in-car technology from car dealers
  • 1st September marks the arrival of the new 70 registration plate and new car owners should familiarise themselves with the infotainment system before they take delivery of their new vehicle
  • New car technology can help increase road safety but must be used correctly

Government and vehicle manufacturers should enforce greater education and familiarisation of new in-car technology before drivers leave the forecourts or take delivery of their new vehicle, claims IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity.

Its urgent call coincides with the arrival of the new 70 registration plate on 1st September which could give car dealers a welcome boost in sales as motorists search for the latest models with the new number plate.

And while most new in-car systems, including infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – commonly known as ADAS – are designed to increase road safety, they need to be used correctly, reminds IAM RoadSmart.

Data from research commissioned by the road safety charity earlier this year revealed that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto significantly affect reaction times and increase stopping distances.

Disturbingly, the research shows that these systems can impair reaction times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use.

In fact, stopping distances, lane control and response to external stimuli were all negatively affected by the use of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Furthermore, the reaction times of drivers tested was significantly slower at motorway speeds than someone who had used cannabis and five times worse than someone driving at the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Policy and Research, said: “Now is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of correctly using the latest in-car technology with the arrival of the new registration plate on 1st September.

“Swiping a screen is replacing the turn of a button or dial so it is vital that car dealers educate motorists on how to correctly use these new systems, so that they are a safety benefit and not a potentially dangerous distraction.”

Other findings from the IAM RoadSmart commissioned research found that using in-car touch screens resulted in reaction times that were even worse than texting while driving.

Neil said: “Driver distraction is estimated to be a factor in around a third of all road collisions in Europe each year.

“As the amount of in-car infotainment and ADAS features continues to increase, we believe car dealers have a responsibility to correctly educate their customers and ensure they are familiar with all the high-tech systems in their shiny new purchase before they leave the forecourt. It is also imperative that the Government and the vehicle manufacturers enforce and support this.

“We’re calling on industry and Government to openly test and approve such systems and develop consistent standards that genuinely help minimise driver distraction.

“Whether you’re buying a new car now or already own a vehicle with technology that is new to you, it is vital that you use it safely. Anything that distracts a driver’s eye or mind from the road is bad news for road safety.”

To find out more about the study commissioned earlier this year click here.

Time for change as new figures show drink-drive related deaths have plateaued for eighth consecutive year

IAM RoadSmart urges: Follow Scotland’s lead

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is calling for new initiatives from the Government to drive down the number of drink-drive related deaths on UK roads.

This follows figures released from the Department for Transport earlier today showing yet another year of stagnation in annual drink-drive statistics, highlighting eight years of zero progress.

Final estimates for 2018 in: Reported road casualties in Great Britain: final estimates involving illegal alcohol levels: 2018, revealed 240 people died in crashes where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.

An estimated 8,680 people were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit, an increase of one per cent from 8,600 in 2017. That means on average more than 23 people a day were killed or injured as a result of drinking and driving, in 2018.

Most worryingly, the total number of crashes where at least one driver was over the alcohol limit rose by three per cent to 5,890 in 2018, an average of around 16 crashes a day.

IAM RoadSmart is calling for a smarter package of measures from Government to reduce the number of drink-drive related incidents, including a further lowering of the drink-drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland; wider use of drink-drive rehabilitation courses; longer running high-profile education and enforcement campaigns and also, following the example of Scotland, by seizing the vehicles of repeat offenders.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Once again progress on reducing the toll of death and injuries from drink-driving has stalled.

“There is no one simple answer to reducing these figures, but at IAM RoadSmart we believe a much smarter package of measures is needed from the Government including a lower drink-drive limit to reinforce good behaviour, fast-track of evidential roadside testing machines to release police resources and tailored approaches to help drivers with alcohol problems.

“Rehabilitation courses work and we believe all those convicted of drink-driving should be sent on one automatically rather than having to opt in. More use of alcohol interlocks â€“ which require the driver to blow into a mouthpiece on the device before starting or continuing to operate the vehicle â€“ and extra penalties such as vehicle forfeiture, as used in Scotland, could all be part of a more joined-up approach to the problem.”

Overall drink-driving accounted for five per cent of collisions in Great Britain. The highest number of casualties, nearly seven per cent, due to drink-driving occurred in Wales, followed by England and Scotland at around five per cent each. Regionally, in England, casualty rates varied from nearly eight per cent in the East Midlands to nearly four per cent in Greater London.

In 2018, 80 per cent of drink-drive related casualties involved male drivers or riders. Almost two thirds of drink-drive casualties (63 per cent) are aged 25 to 59 but around a quarter (24 per cent) involve people aged 16-24. In both age categories, the casualty rate is higher in drink-drive related collisions than other collisions types.

Neil concluded: “Hard-core drink drivers are simply not getting the message, and these figures will not improve until policy changes.”

The full report from DfT can be found here.

Partnership aims to remove barriers to becoming a safer rider

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has partnered with the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD), helping to remove potential barriers to becoming a safer rider.

IAM RoadSmart believes that adapting to different learning styles is key to making advanced driving and riding accessible to many, ultimately improving road safety on UK roads.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Andy Arnott from the NABD, said: “Our aim is to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling. This partnership with IAM RoadSmart supports our aim.

“I have been a member and supporter of the NABD for the last decade and I was always conscious that many of the riders with disabilities I have worked with, have been keen to improve their skills but no one knew how to go about it.

“As an Advanced Rider as well, I spotted a natural opportunity for the two charities to collaborate, I look forward to helping to bring these two great organisations together.”

Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It is important that road safety is all inclusive and that everyone has access to training to improve their skills on the road.

“I am extremely excited about this collaboration. The NABD is a great charity and we look forward to working with its members, giving them access to the support they would like and making even more people aware of what we offer to enhance rider skills and confidence.”

Earlier in the year, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve road safety for everyone, IAM RoadSmart also launched a guide to ensure all volunteer observers nationwide can adapt their driving and riding coaching to different neurodiversity needs and different learning styles, including: dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and Asperger’s among others.

More information on the guide can be found here.

Is your child road safety aware?

Survey of parents reveals road safety fears

Most parents do not think their children understand road dangers or concentrate properly when near roads, a new survey reveals as Scottish pupils return to school.

Safety campaigners have urged parents to help children learn the Green Cross Code “as they would their spellings or times tables”.

In a survey by YouGov, commissioned for Injury Prevention Week (17-21 August) almost two-thirds of parents did not think their children had a good understanding of the dangers or concentrate near roads.

“One in eight parents went as far as to say they are very concerned about their children’s safety,” said Sam Elsby, president of APIL – a not-for-profit group for injured people, which hosts Injury Prevention Week.

“The Highway Code states that children should not be allowed out alone until they can understand and use the Green Cross Code properly. So it is particularly important for those children who may be walking to school without a parent or guardian for the first time this term,” said Mr Elsby.

“I urge parents to be proactive this Injury Prevention Week. Support children in their knowledge and understanding as it is their best tool for avoiding harm on the roads,” he went on.

“Test your children this week on crossing between parked cars and on bends. And ask them if they know to look out for reverse lights so they know if a car is about to move backwards. Test them in the same way you would test them on their spellings or times tables,” said Mr Elsby.

Children aged 15 and under account for around a quarter of pedestrian injuries and deaths on British roads.

In Town, Slow Down

Campaign launched the day after Morningside toddler dies in road accident

New research reveals a very different post-lockdown landscape on Scotland’s roads and a potential rise in vulnerable road users, with 29% of people in Edinburgh committing to cycling and 75% planning to walk more as restrictions are eased.

Despite the rise in pedestrians and people on bikes, with varying levels of experience, the research highlighted 39% of drivers across Scotland haven’t changed their driving behaviour at all, while a staggering 83% did not slow down or approach junctions more cautiously during lockdown1.

Ninety six per cent of pedestrian casualties happen in built-up areas and you are seven times as likely to kill a pedestrian if you hit them at 30mph rather than at 203.  Almost half (49%) of pedestrian casualties happen at junctions and less than half of drivers (47%) look out for pedestrians at junctions.

This highlights how important it is, more than ever, for all road users to take greater care and consideration when travelling in built-up areas.

The findings of the survey by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) mark the launch of a campaign with a clear message for all road users: In Town, Slow Down.

The campaign will see powerful visuals highlight just how fragile we really are, with a series of people and scenarios such as, a mother with a pram, children and older people, depicted as eggs.  The creative shows each ‘egg’ in the path of much larger objects, including a brick and sledgehammer, all representing a different vehicle that could seriously injure or kill vulnerable road users.

Running across multiple channels including radio, digital advertising, outdoor, PR and social media, the campaign reminds drivers to consider other road users and drive at an appropriate speed in built-up areas.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “We are committed to achieving safer road travel in Scotland for everyone and it’s important drivers travel at an appropriate speed for the environment and the conditions, especially in built-up areas where there are many vulnerable road users.

“Whether we drive, ride, wheel, cycle or walk, we need to look out for each other as our actions can have serious consequences. The message is simple, in town, slow down.”

Speed is a factor in crashes and the higher the speed, the greater the damage. And you don’t have to be breaking the limit to be going too fast.

Michael McDonnell director of Road Safety Scotland said: “Even one life lost on Scotland’s roads is one life too many. Now more than ever, it’s important for drivers to understand speed limits are there for a reason and often, even travelling at or near the limit may be too fast for the conditions.

“We want all drivers across Scotland to consider their actions and drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions at all times. Drivers should also adopt the safest road position, keeping away from the kerb to give pedestrians and people on bikes space.”

Going too fast in town has severe penalties for drivers. The minimum fine for speeding is ÂŁ100 plus three penalty points and a potential loss of licence when building up 12 or more points over three years. New drivers, in their first two years of driving, only need six points to lose their licence.

East Road Policing Area Commander, Chief Inspector Mark Patterson at Police Scotland, said: “As we enter the summer months and with more people making the most of using the road network by cycling and walking since coronavirus restrictions were introduced, it is important that drivers pay attention to what is happening on the road in front of them.

“We can’t predict what will happen on the road in front of us, and we are urging drivers to give other road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, the space they need to be kept safe.

“Driving at appropriate speeds for the conditions – which includes other road users being present – is important and can reduce the chances of being involved in a crash. The speed limit should not be seen as a target, it is the maximum speed you should do and doesn’t mean you should sit at that speed if the network is busy with other road users.

“Pedestrians and cyclists should also be aware that roads will be busier and to cross at designated points as well as adhering to relevant parts of the Highway Code.

“There is room for everyone on our roads and we encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for the safety of each other. We all have a duty make our roads a safer place.”

For more information visit roadsafety.scot or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.

Scottish lawyer calls for a change in legislation to protect cyclists

An Edinburgh lawyer is calling for the UK to adopt a similar approach to other European countries of presumed liability of drivers when cyclists are involved in a road accident.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic the government has been promoting cycling, not only for its health benefits during lockdown, but also as an alternative to public transport. Personal injury specialist at Thorntons, Michelle Adam, believes that UK roads aren’t set up to deal with an increase in cyclists, meaning there is a higher chance of an accident happening – and cyclists should be protected.

Michelle said: “If the government is serious about increasing the use of bikes, they need to invest in the correct infrastructure to keep cyclists safe – resurfacing roads and creating more designated cycle lanes. Without this, it’s inevitable there will be more accidents.

“At the moment in the UK when a cyclist is involved in an accident with a car or other vehicle, the cyclist needs to prove that the car driver is to blame for the accident. That can sometimes be difficult, particularly if a cyclist is very badly injured and there are no witnesses.

“Across most of Europe however, there is a different approach which is known as presumed liability. That means that a car driver will be liable if they collide with a cyclist. The only way to avoid responsibility is if the driver can prove that the crash was unforeseeable or out of their control. I believe this approach should be adopted in the UK.

“If a cyclist is involved in an accident with a car, they are much more likely to be seriously injured than the car driver. Motor vehicles are heavy pieces of equipment which are full of safety features to protect their passengers, which is not the case for someone on a bike.

“Cyclists should obviously obey the rules of the road and take care for their own safety but they ought not to have the burden of having to prove the other party is at fault. In our changed world, I believe now is the right time to change the law, raise awareness and make all road users safer.

“But for now, if the worst happens and you are knocked off your bike and suffer an injury, you might be entitled to compensation if you can prove the other party is at fault. If you have an accident, try to get names of any witnesses, details of the driver and the registration number of the vehicle involved. These will be useful evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.”