22/12/2015
Members of Road Safety Wales are reminding pedestrians, runners and cyclists that being easily seen by drivers is especially important at this time of year.
Although the UK has one of the best road safety records in the world,* sadly 249 pedestrians and 138 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on Welsh roads in 2014**. Everyone needs to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe.
With the fashion for black and dark clothes, it can be difficult to buy a coat that is light in colour, but simple things such as carrying a white carrier bag could make all the difference to your visibility. If you prefer your safety equipment a little more high tech then it is possible to buy flashing light armbands, bag accessories and children’s shoes.
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22/12/2015
The four Welsh Forces in collaboration with Road Safety Wales partners have carried out an enforcement and engagement campaign aimed at young adult drivers and passengers.
The aim of the campaign is to highlight the driving risks to young adults under the Fatal 5 banner, such as driving whilst impaired and using mobile phones behind the wheel. Passengers were also asked to look at their own behaviour within a vehicle environment – from peer pressure and distraction to thinking about whether they should get into a car with a driver who is impaired.
During the campaign, over 300 young adults came to the attention of the police with 193 drivers found to have committed offences (including speeding, anti-social driving/riding and use of mobile phones) with 68 given verbal warnings.
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21/12/2015
The Department for Transport today (21 December 2015) unveiled a raft of measures to improve the safety of Britain’s roads. The proposals will ensure learner drivers are properly prepared before their test, including the chance to gain motorway experience with an approved driving instructor. This follows plans announced last month to introduce a deposit which is returned to the learner driver if they pass, encouraging them to take their test when they are ready.
Other measures to take priority in the government’s plan for road safety include funding to train the next generation of cyclists and extra money for police forces to crack down on drug drivers.
The plan outlines how the Government is delivering on its commitment to reduce the number of people killed and injured on our roads during this Parliament.
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08/12/2015
To coincide with the Anti Drink/Drug Driving Campaign that launched on 1st December, RoSPA Wales have produced their second ‘Driving for Work’ factsheet which this time focuses on drink and drug driving.
Driving for Work: Drink and DrugsAs the festive season approaches, and with the inevitable increase of office parties as well as family celebrations, there is a need to remind people of the dangers of drinking or taking drugs and then driving – including the morning after.
In 2014 there were 3015 convictions in Welsh Courts for drink/drug driving. With a minimum 12 month driving ban, an unlimited fine, and a criminal record this could have a significant effect on employees as well the companies they work for. Driving while unfit through drugs, whether illegal, prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, is an offence that carries the same penalties as drink driving. The Police can, and do, conduct roadside tests to help them assess whether a driver may be impaired.
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25/11/2015
Gwent Police Drink/Drug Driving Warning As They Launch Wales-Wide Campaign
25/11/15
The month-long winter campaign, launched in Cwmbran today, will start on December 1 and will see an increase in the number of roadside breath tests.
ACC Julian WilliamsLast year in Wales a total of 30,718 people were tested as part of the campaign with 488 returning either positive results or refusing to take the breath test.
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23/11/2015
The number of drivers prosecuted for motoring offences by magistrates grew by 8% last year, figures have shown.
Almost 54,500 cases were dealt with in 2014, up from about 50,500 in 2013, according to Welsh government numbers.
However, the latest annual figures of fixed penalty notices issued in Wales - 77,000 - dropped by 17%.
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20/11/2015
Motorcylists are being urged to carry cards which contain potentially life-saving information in the event of an incident.
At some point in a motorcyclist’s riding life they may have an ‘unscheduled dismount’ or they may be with a rider who does. CRASH is a set of easy to remember steps to keep themselves safe, as well as the unfortunate rider who has been involved in a collision.
There is space to record information which could be vital to the attending paramedic, including current medical history and the details of any medication currently being taken.
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18/11/2015
With their own, and the safety of other road-users in mind, 12 motorcyclists from South West Wales ROADAR have recently achieved Gold standard passes for the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle test – the highest civilian qualification of its kind obtainable in Europe. This is an exceptional contribution to the region's road-safety record and one that all road-users benefit from.
Unfortunately, the Welsh nation is no stranger to desperately sad news stories of deaths and injuries sustained by motorcyclists whilst enjoying our outstanding countryside. Wales continues to be a ‘destination’ region for motorcycling, contributing enormously to our tourist economy - but the statistics surrounding this recreational activity are sometimes devastating.
Through their voluntary efforts, South West Wales RoADAR group is seeking to address this situation by putting on the roads motorcyclists with exceptionally high safety-awareness and advanced handling skills. Riders from all walks of life – from aid worker to an accountant, are taking up the challenge of the test. Once a pass is gained, all riders are then re-tested every three years to ensure standards are being maintained.
The test evaluates the highest possible level of handling and safety skills that a civilian rider can achieve – all under the scrutiny of serving or ex class 1 police riders. It is truly exceptional to have such a high number of Gold awards, all achieved through the hard work of South West Wales RoADAR group.
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16/11/2015
Argos has issued a product recall for three Fisher Price child car seats, due to safety concerns. The car seats have safety restraints that don't fully meet test requirements and could compromise a child's safety, in the event of an accident.
Parents should stop using these three child car seats and return them to Argos for either a replacement or refund.
Three Fisher Price child car seats recalled
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02/11/2015
The eighth community speedwatch scheme to educate speeding drivers has been set up in Gwent.
The scheme, which trains volunteers to monitor passing vehicles which are driving above the speed limit, was first launched in Llanfair Kilgeddin, near Abergavenny in June of last year, and started in Little Mill/Monkswood on Friday.
There are already schemes running in Llandogo, Tintern, Usk, Abergavenny, Peterstone and Itton. Other parts of Gwent including St Arvans, Rudry, Llangym and Magor are due to set up their schemes shortly.
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