Are you ready for winter driving? Please make sure you have the essentials to keep you safe now that the weather has turned.
Police Scotland will help ensure your vehicle is ready for winter – come and say hi at one of our check sites this week.
Motorists have been warned about a potentially dangerous eye condition that distorts vision and adversely affects night-time driving.
Motoring experts at LeaseCar say thousands of Brits could unknowingly have an eye condition which causes difficulties with vision at night posing a safety risk on the roads.
t is thought that as much as 40% of the adult population could be affected by Astigmatism, which occurs when either the eye’s cornea or the lens behind the cornea isn’t as round as it should be.
Astigmatism is an eye disorder which causes blurry or distorted vision, both close up and at a distance.
Research suggests the condition could be on the rise as overuse of electronic devices can both bring it on and make it worse.
Those who suffer from the condition commonly have a harder time seeing clearly at night because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights, such as headlights or streetlights.
This can affect motorist’s ability to perceive road signs, other vehicles, and potential hazards as well as making it harder for them to detect subtle changes in the road.
The experts are calling on anyone who experiences difficulties with night vision and thinks they could have the condition to head to the opticians.
Not only does failing to address the condition increase the chance of causing an accident on the roads, but it could also lead to hefty fines and penalties for motorists.
If it is determined bad vision is a factor in a driving accident, motorists will be fined £1,000 and have three points on their licence if they had not notified the DVLA of their condition prior to the accident.
In more serious cases, failure to notify about vision loss or sight issues could even result in a driving ban.
Those with the condition may require glasses or contact lenses to correct it, but in more extreme cases doctors could need to use surgery to treat astigmatis.
The DVLA says motorists must wear glasses or contact lenses every time they drive if they need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “It is extremely important that any motorists who think that they could have an eye condition get to the opticians and seek treatment.
“Common symptoms of Astigmatism include trouble seeing at night, blurry, hazy and double vision, as well as needing to squint to see clearly.
“With an estimated 40% of the adult population suffering from the condition, anyone with the symptoms should avoid driving until they have been checked out.
“It is very dangerous to drive with any condition which impairs vision as it puts the motorist and other road users at risk.
“The condition is particularly dangerous for drivers as the days get darker because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights which affects being able to see the roads and potential obstacles.
“It is also important that the DVLA is made aware of any condition that affects the ability to drive safely because if a motorist is involved in an accident and it is found that the condition was a contributing factor, they could be prosecuted and their insurance invalidated.”
Edinburgh Napier report highlights significant reduction in speeds, as Wales implements country-wide change at the weekend
A study by Edinburgh Napier University has shown that the rollout of 20mph speed limits across the Scottish Borders has reduced average speeds by 3mph.
With previous research showing that there is an average 4% reduction in collisions with each 1mph reduction in average speed on rural roads, the study demonstrates the significant knock-on effect the new speed limit is likely to have, particularly when seen within the context of the national Road Safety Framework to reduce deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2050.
The trial, which took place across 97 villages and towns in the Borders since October 2020, showed that 85% of drivers dropped their speed by 3mph. It also showed that the largest speed reductions were observed in locations where higher speeds had been seen in the past – with those areas seeing an average reduction of 5.4mph.
Significantly, the report also concluded that the change in driver behaviour continued well after the beginning of the trial, with average speeds still well below previous levels eight months after the start of the trial.
The trial in the Borders is the first one in the world to look at the effects of a 20mph speed limit on such a large, rural area and the results will be studied by governments, local authorities and organisations across the UK and the world.
The study also comes just days before the Welsh Government made Wales the first nation in the UK to adopt 20mph as the default speed limit on restricted roads – generally roads that are located in residential and built-up areas where there are significant numbers of pedestrians.
Professor Adrian Davis of Edinburgh Napier’s Transport Research Institute who led the research said: “Previous research has shown that 20mph speed limits are effective in large towns and cities in both reducing speed driven and in reducing casualties.
“Our work looking at speed changes reveals that speed reduction to 20mph from 30mph in rural settlements produces similar results for speed reduction as in urban areas.
“Communities which have been asking for action to reduce speeding have been given a response, in this case by Scottish Borders Council who have taken action to address the dangerous and anti-social impacts of inappropriate speed.
“Our research findings consequently support the switch in Wales on Sunday from default 30mph to default 20mph speed limits.”
POLICE officers in North East Edinburgh policing teams have been working to tackle motorcycle thefts with the activity carried under Operation Soteria, the capital’s well established, city-wide approach.
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal, North East Edinburgh Local Area Commander, said: “Operation Soteria is our overarching response to motorcycle thefts and my Initiative Team, Response and Community officers in North East Edinburgh have been working hard and continuing their efforts to identify offenders, prevent and deter incidents, and provide community reassurance.
“Road safety and tackling acquisitive crime remains a priority in Edinburgh as a whole and such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Partnership working is key, and our Prevention, Interventions and Partnerships team are also working with partners to raise awareness and share crime prevention and security advice.
“During the summer so far in North East Edinburgh my officers have made eight arrests, libelled 30 charges, executing numerous warrants and recovered over £400,000 in stolen vehicles.
He added: “We will continue to work to ensure offenders are dealt with robustly. To allow us to target our activities, we encourage communities to report incidents via 101, and should anyone have information as to the identity of those placing communities at risk, this can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”
The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.
Route
Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.
They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.
These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:
The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:
The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:
These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:
On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.
Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.
You can find more information, on the event website 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. I
f you have any questions, please email events@edinburgh.gov.uk
Get on your bike and join us – Road Policing East and road safety partners are holding Rider Refinement motorcycle training courses to promote responsible riding and reduce road casualties.
With the UK set for scorching sunshine this upcoming bank holiday and people heading off for the long weekend, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned people to stay safe around water and on the road.
The reminder comes as three young people have died this week in the UK’s canals and multiple road collisions have taken place on its roads.
Keeping safe around water
Carlene McAvoy, Leisure Safety Manager at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “While the riverside may seem like a natural beauty spot, we do unfortunately see around 70 people a year drown in UK rivers. What’s more, data shows us that almost half of people who drown in the UK have no intention of being in the water at all.
“Open waters pose a risk all year round, though in winter we see more slippery riverbanks, icier paths and freezing cold waters which are often less than 15 degrees. And with that, comes the risk of cold water shock.
“Cold water shock is often a precursor to drowning and causes the blood vessels in the skin to close. This then increases blood pressure and makes the heart work much harder and can overpower even the strongest of swimmers.
“The cold water can also cause an involuntary gasp for breath and cause your breathing rate to increase dramatically. In this scenario, the chances of inhaling water into the lungs increases – and sadly, even a small amount of water is enough to take an adult’s life.”
Staying safe on the road
Rebecca Guy, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “Bank holiday weekends are a fantastic opportunity for people to catch up with their loved ones and enjoy some time away from home. But for some families, this turns into tragedy on our roads.
“Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, we urge all drivers to make a few basic vehicle checks that could end up saving their life, and to take an ample supply of food and drink should they get stuck on the motorway for a long time.”
“We advise people do a ‘POWDER check’ before they set off, which includes petrol or other fuel, oil, water, damage, electrics, and rubber (tyres).
Fuel
Before setting out, check your fuel or charge levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination.
Engine oil
Use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.
Water or screenwash
To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen. Check all fluid levels, including coolant.
Vehicle damage
Look out for any damage to your vehicle such as broken mirrors.
Electrics including lights
If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT. If a bulb has failed, change it at the first opportunity.
Rubber/tyres
Before setting off on a long journey, check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of your tyres, including the spare.
Look out for cuts or wear and make sure that you change your tyres at 3mm because while tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit., changing them ahead of that point is always good practice. Tyres under 3mm of tread will not perform as well in the wet.
Finally, before every journey, ensure that you are fit to drive. Make sure that you are well-rested, are feeling calm and are well. If you are taking any medication, read the leaflet and if you experience any side effects that could affect your ability to drive safely.
Earlier this week Karen McDonnell, Head of RoSPA Scotland, commented on the latest release of provisional road casualty statistics:
“RoSPA recognise that the Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2022 present total casualty figures that are the third lowest since records began, indeed since 2000, the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads had decreased by 47%. However, there are 33 more families and communities with empty seats at their tables here in 2022.
“Whilst in compared to 2021, pedal cyclist casualties fell by 7%, pedestrian casualties increased by 17%, car casualties increased by 9% and motorcyclists by 2%.
“Scotland’s roads are a shared space, road users with greater power have greater responsibility, people walking, people cycling and people on motorcycles are vulnerable.
“Through the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance, RoSPA will continue to be part of the National Conversation about Road Safety from a Driving and Riding for work perspective.
“Encouraging over 600 member organisations and their drivers and riders to take ownership of road safety and manage driving risk as they would any other risk to their organisation towards the vision of Scotland having the best road safety performance in the world by 2030.”
97% of drivers agree that people who drive too closely to people cycling are putting lives at risk – however over a third admit that they don’t think of someone cycling as a person, being more focused on getting past and getting on with their journey.
These are the findings from a new study of over 500 drivers commissioned by Scotland’s national cycling charity – Cycling Scotland – to mark the launch of its annual nationwide campaign (Thursday 4 May).
On average, four people cycling per week in Scotland suffer serious, potentially life-changing, injuries from a vehicle collision – and close passes can be a daily experience for people cycling.
The research also found that:
Supported by Police Scotland, Cycling Scotland’s annual ‘Give Cycle Space’ campaign aims to reduce close pass incidents and make Scotland’s roads safer for people cycling, by raising awareness of the legal passing distance and the responsibility of drivers to safely overtake.
Drivers in Scotland face a £100 fine or conviction, and penalty points on their licence for passing within 1.5m of people cycling when overtaking, and a conviction for a more serious offence. However, findings from this study show that a quarter of drivers (23%) are unaware that driving closer than 1.5 metres is an offence that could result in a charge of careless or dangerous driving.
For 2023, the ‘Give Cycle Space’ campaign message is ‘Leave Space for a Life’. Visuals of people cycling from a driver’s viewpoint humanise the person on the bike, with the television ad showing footage of the friends, family and loved ones of the person cycling. A dangerous overtake shows the risk that drivers take when they don’t give the required passing distance stated in the Highway Code of at least 1.5 metres.
Cycling Scotland’s campaign – which runs on television, radio, online and on buses until 19 June – is funded by Transport Scotland.
Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Keith Irving said:“Every week in Scotland, at least four people cycling suffer serious, potentially life-changing injuries, usually from a crash with a vehicle. To make cycling safer and support more people to travel by bike, we need a network of dedicated cycle lanes, police enforcement and education on reducing road danger.
“Our campaign highlights that drivers need to give at least 1.5 metres of space when passing someone on a bike. Together with the police, we’re raising awareness of the risks of careless driving.
“More people are taking up cycling in Scotland and even more people need to cycle more journeys for our country to reach net zero. We must not accept a corresponding rise in serious injuries and deaths.
“Please remember to drive safely around people on bikes. Leave space for a life.”
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, said: “Every driver has a responsibility to safely overtake cyclists and understand how their actions can impact the life of that person riding a bike.
“As we approach the summer months, there will be more people using Scotland’s roads. All road users should take care, plan their journey and be aware of cyclists who are more vulnerable.”
“Enforcement is key to preventing road danger and dashcam and helmet cam footage can provide vital evidence to support this. Introduction of a dashcam portal, now in use throughout England and Wales, is critical to allow people to report dangerous driving behaviour and keep everyone safer on our roads.”
Shgufta Anwar, Founder of Glasgow-based charity, Women on Wheels added: “I experience so much joy from cycling, but being closely overtaken is an all too familiar occurrence.
“My worst experience was when out cycling with my then primary school aged children, when a car came extremely close to my daughter and revved the engine, frightening her and making her almost fall in front of the car. Fortunately, she regained her balance, but it was a really scary experience for us all and she could have been seriously injured.
“As a person who cycles and drives, I think about both when I make choices on the road. Scotland’s roads would be a lot safer if all drivers had this perspective – especially if they knew how frightening it was when a car passes too closely.”
More information about the Give Cycle Space campaign can be found at:
A campaign by Road Safety Scotland* and Police Scotland, in partnership with the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), goes live today reminding overseas tourists to Drive on the Left when visiting Scotland.
The campaign was launched at Road Safety Scotland’s Annual Seminar by Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth, who was joined by Superintendent Stewart Mackie from Police Scotland, Margaret Spiers from Arnold Clark and Bruce Arell from Enterprise Holdings.
Figures from Police Scotland show inexperience of driving on the left is among the most common contributory factors for fatalities involving foreign drivers in Scotland1, with the five most common contributory factors being:
The new Drive on the Left campaign sets out to help drivers stay safe as they embark on their journey to Scotland, by sharing useful information about Scotland’s roads, which often differ from other countries, including how to navigate singe-track roads and passing places.
Drivers are urged to stay alert and be well rested to avoid switching to autopilot, which can easily happen when the roads are quiet or a driver is tired, and can cause someone to enter a roundabout the wrong way or turn onto the wrong side of the road at a junction.
Tourists are also reminded that weather conditions can change quickly in Scotland, making it even more challenging to navigate long and twisty roads.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:”We want all visitors to Scotland to return safely from their travels. This campaign aims to raise awareness and remind people to drive on the left at all times, which is particularly important after they’ve taken a break or when the roads are quieter.
“Scotland’s roads can be unfamiliar to visitors and that often demands more concentration. It’s easy to switch to autopilot, particularly if you are distracted, tired or driving in bad weather.
“With the recent number of devastating fatalities on the A9, it’s especially important we reach all drivers travelling on Scotland’s roads this summer. Make sure you plan ahead, take regular breaks and know the rules of the road.”
Drive on the Left wristbands and stickers will be distributed through BVRLA to tourists when they collect a hire car, along with a Driving in Scotland information leaflet, which offers practical advice about driving on single-track roads, looking both ways at junctions, speed limits, planning your journey and taking regular rest stops to avoid fatigue. The wristband is available in 8 different languages.
Advice for drivers will also be shared on the Road Safety Scotland social media channels through digital assets and video content.
Louise Blakelock, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “Any serious collision on our roads is absolutely devastating and, while it may seem like a simple message, it’s crucial to remind people of the differences of driving in Scotland and how to drive safely when they’re visiting our beautiful country.
“We fully support this campaign and hope it helps to reduce the number of collisions caused by driving on the wrong side of the road.”
Amanda Brandon, Director of Member Engagement at BVRLA said: “This is an important road safety initiative and we are delighted to see so many of our members getting behind it.
“A significant portion of vehicle hires annually are for people needing a car while away from home. Our members are ideally placed to promote the campaign to help keep visitors safe as they set off on Scotland’s roads.
“We are expecting vehicle hire for oversees drivers to increase again this year, so it’s great to see this campaign go live now ahead of the peak tourist season.”
The campaign is supported by partner organisations including VisitScotland, helping to ensure as many overseas drivers as possible are reminded to drive on the left while visiting Scotland.
For more details and for advice about driving in Scotland, visit bit.ly/DriveOnTheLeft23 or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
A powerful campaign by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland goes live today, reminding drivers about the dangers of driver fatigue.
It follows an increase in serious incidents on the A9 trunk road in 2022, with 12 fatal collisions and 18 fatalities reported. Of this total, 13 deaths occurred on the Perth to Inverness section of the road during the second half of the year1.
Fatigue is a contributory factor in collisions which kill or seriously injure around 50 people every year in Scotland2 and as many as 25 per cent of all fatal and serious incidents on the A9 between Perth to Inverness3.
Many of the counter measures used by drivers to combat tiredness (opening a window, turning up the radio or pinching themselves) have been shown to be ineffective. Instead, the campaign urges driver to take regular breaks, stop to rest and have a coffee, and plan ahead to avoid driving tired.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth, said: “Driver fatigue is a serious issue that causes too many serious and fatal road collisions each year. Drivers often experience early signs of feeling tired such as yawning, eyes drooping and head-nodding, and should stop for a rest as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“We’re reminding people to plan their journeys well in advance, ensure they are well-rested before setting out and take regular breaks. It’s simple yet powerful advice which can help save lives on Scotland’s roads.”
Sleep-related collisions are around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury as they tend to be high-speed impacts.
Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland and a member of the A9 Safety Group, said: “Sadly we have seen a rise in serious and fatal collisions on the A9 trunk road in the last year and many of them involve an element of driver fatigue – something that can be prevented. A tired driver is a danger not only to themselves but to everyone on the road.
“If you feel tired while behind the wheel, opening your window or turning up the music isn’t enough. Stop for a rest and a coffee before you get back on the road to help keep you and others safe.”
A two second micro-sleep at 30 mph can result in complete transition from one lane to the next and you will be unable to notice or react to a child stepping out on the road5.
The new multi-media marketing campaign will run on multiple channels including TV, digital, outdoor, radio, PR and social media.
The thought-provoking advertising, features a striking close-up of a tired driver’s eye, with the road ahead reflected in it. After a long blink, the road reappears in the eye, however the car drifts towards the centre of the road as the eye droops further and finally remains closed, resulting in a head-on collision with another car and devastating consequences.
Watch the ad here: https://youtu.be/r-KtjJlrQHk
For more information visit roadsafety.scot/fatigue or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
