Tag: road safety

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 £100 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.”

Week of action to focus on vulnerable road users

Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division is carrying out a week of action this week focusing on the safety of vulnerable road users.

The campaign, which will run from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March, will see officers carry out enhanced activity at locations with a higher number of cyclists and pedestrians, such as schools, colleges and universities as well as town centres.

The aim is to interact with drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to raise awareness about how they can all contribute to making our roads safer.

In Scotland in 2018, Police Scotland responded to 1,253 pedestrian casualties, with those aged 12-15 or over-70 being most impacted for fatalities and serious injuries respectively. In the same period, there were 637 pedal cyclist casualties, 87% of which took place on built-up roads.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing, said: “Road safety is an absolute priority for Police Scotland and it is vital that everyone is aware of the risks associated with using our roads, whether you use them as a motorist, a pedestrian, cyclist or any other activity.

“This campaign provides us with an excellent opportunity to highlight our collective responsibilities as road users. Some simple steps, being readily visible to others, being alert to your own surroundings, being aware and courteous to other road users, all go a long way to improving road safety.”

THINK! campaign calls on young men to step in and stop their mates from drink driving

UK Government research has revealed that a third of people don’t think it’s important to intervene if someone they know is planning to drink and drive.

While the majority agreed that drink driving is unacceptable, only 64% said it was important to step in to stop a friend drink driving. That number drops to 45% for young males.

Figures show that 60 young drivers aged 17-24 are killed or injured each month in the UK while found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit, and young males are over represented in alcohol related deaths and serious injuries on the road.

To address this problem, THINK! has launched a campaign calling on young men to intervene and ‘Pint Block’ their mates. The campaign uses social and online video, and messaging in pubs, bars and sports clubs, to bring the message to life through a series of humorous and surreal interventions. This follows a move in recent years to focus THINK! activity on young men aged 17-24, who are 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than drivers aged 25 or over.

To launch Pint Block, THINK! has commissioned 60 unique Pint Block illustrations by young artists from across the country – one for each of the 60 young drivers killed or seriously injured when found to be driving over the limit every month in the UK. The Pint Blocks, which involve everything from Mexican waves to mosh pits, are a tongue-in-cheek way to spread the message that it’s okay, and indeed important, to step in and stop a friend from drinking alcohol if they are intending to drive.

The illustrations will be showcased at an exclusive THINK! pub takeover in Birmingham on 18 February where, for one night only, pub-goers will be introduced to the concept of Pint Blocking in highly original ways, with zero alcohol drinks provided by Heineken.

A mate doesn’t let a mate drink and drive

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Those who drink drive put both themselves and others at risk. While there has been a long-term reduction in drink driving since 1979, we are determined to reduce this number even further.

“Our THINK! Pint Block campaign is about empowering young men to step in and stop their mates drink driving, but it also carries a message for all of us that it’s important to intervene if someone we know is planning to drink and drive.”

Liz Brooker MBE, Chair of Road Safety Great Britain, said: “Road Safety Great Britain fully supports the THINK! Pint Block campaign. Someone who gets in their car after drinking is a risk to themselves, and all others on the road, including their friends.

“This campaign highlights the role everyone has to play in reducing the number of people who drink drive, using the power of friendship to encourage safer driving and the need to protect those we care about.”

Angela Appleton, Senior Brand Manager Heineken Low and No Alcohol, said: “We are committed to backing initiatives like THINK!’s new Pint Block campaign and ensuring that anyone who is planning to drive does not drink any alcohol.

“Friends have a key role to play here, watching out for each other and making sure designated drivers always stay on the soft and zero % drinks for the evening.”

Pint Block builds on THINK’s award-winning Mates Matter campaign which saw the biggest shift in more than a decade in young men’s attitudes towards drink-driving.

The campaign is being rolled out with the support of partners including the County FA through its grassroots football clubs, Heineken Zero, Drinkaware and insurethebox which specialises in black box insurance for young drivers.

The campaign was created in collaboration with marketing agency VMLY&R.

Be Bright, Be Seen winter road safety campaign launch tomorrow

City police we will be joining The City of Edinburgh Council at the launch of a  campaign to raise awareness of issues experienced by those who cycle and those who drive on Edinburgh’s road network tomorrow. The launch is taking place at Middle Meadow Walk at North Meadow Walk between 4pm and 6pm.

It is important that we share road space responsibly and ensure that all road users “look out for each other”. Everyone should take extra care and look properly when turning at road junctions.

• Cyclists can help by wearing bright clothing or reflective accessories and making sure they use lights during the hours of darkness, which must be lit!
• Drivers can help by keeping an eye out for cyclists and allowing them plenty of room – at least as much room as they would for another vehicle.

Pedestrians can also benefit from wearing brightly coloured clothes or using high visibility items so they can be easily seen and we can all benefit from looking properly, without distractions such as mobile phones.

Check the Streets Ahead website for more information – http://ow.ly/llVy50wS0jW

MPs call for tougher restrictions on phone use in cars

The Government should consider tougher restrictions on driving while using a mobile phone and stricter enforcement of the law to prevent the ‘entirely avoidable’ tragedy of deaths and serious injuries from related crashes on the roads, MPs say.

‘Receiving and sending data equally dangerous’

In Road Safety: driving while using a mobile phone, the Transport Committee says the evidence is clear: using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

MPs call on Government to overhaul current laws on using hand-held mobile devices while driving, to cover use irrespective of whether this involves sending or receiving data.

As evidence shows that using a hands-free device creates the same risks of crashing, the Committee also recommends that Government explores options for extending the ban on hand-held devices to hands-free phones.

In 2017, there were 773 casualties, including 43 deaths and 135 serious injuries, in collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was a contributory factor. The number of people killed or seriously injured has risen steadily since 2011.

Tougher enforcement needed

However, the rate of enforcement has plunged by more than two thirds since 2011. Enforcing the law is essential to ensuring that motorists do not illegally use their mobile phone while driving.  While the Committee welcomes the Government’s review of roads policing and traffic enforcement, the report calls on the Government to work with police to boost enforcement and make better use of technology.

The penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving were increased in 2017 but still do not appear to be commensurate with the risk created and should be reviewed and potentially increased so that it is clear there are serious consequences to being caught, says the Report.

Chair of the Committee, Lilian Greenwood MP, said: “Despite the real risk of catastrophic consequences for themselves, their passengers and other road users, far too many drivers continue to break the law by using hand-held mobile phones.

“If mobile phone use while driving is to become as socially unacceptable as drink driving much more effort needs to go into educating drivers about the risks and consequences of using a phone behind the wheel. Offenders also need to know there is a credible risk of being caught, and that there are serious consequences for being caught.

“There is also a misleading impression that hands-free use is safe. The reality is that any use of a phone distracts from a driver’s ability to pay full attention and the Government should consider extending the ban to reflect this.

“Each death and serious injury which results from a driver using a mobile phone is a tragedy that is entirely avoidable. We need tougher restrictions, better enforcement and more education to make our roads safer for all.”

Drive on the Left campaign launched

Police Scotland and Road Safety Scotland were joined at tourist hotspot Urquhart Castle, Inverness, today by members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), along with local MSP, Kate Forbes, to launch a new campaign to remind motorists to ‘Drive on the Left’ when visiting Scotland. Continue reading Drive on the Left campaign launched