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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
