Brake Road Safety Week – ‘Make the Pledge’

Bury Council is supporting Brake Road Safety Week, which urges drivers to help save lives by pledging to follow six key elements for safer driving.

Brake is a national charity that works towards ending road deaths and injuries by campaigning for safer roads, as well as supporting people bereaved or injured in road crashes.

Road Safety Week runs from 21 to 27 November and Brake is asking people to sign up to six pledges: slow, sober, secure, silent, sharp and sustainable.

To take the pledge, go to http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/

Jan Brabin, Bury Council’s senior road safety officer, said: “During 2015 there were 179 road incidents, resulting in 266 road casualties, in Bury. Many of the pledge themes refer to mistakes or issues that were often the causes of these collisions.

“Slowing down doesn’t just mean obeying the speed limits but driving to the conditions, especially during bad weather. Drivers should be particularly vigilant near schools and residential areas, looking out for vulnerable road users.”

Jan urged drivers to plan ahead and make sure they are not in a position where they might end up under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and also warned people not to accept a lift from someone who is under the influence.

She encouraged drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and ensure that child car seats are installed where appropriate: advice is available on the council’s website at http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11306

“Another issue is drivers who text or take calls when driving,” she said. “It is illegal to use a hand-held device when driving and the minimum penalty is three penalty points on their driving licence and a £100 fine. Drivers can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free device if they were not in proper control of their vehicle at the time.

“Either switch your phone off, set it to go to voicemail or pull over in a safe space to return the call.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 7 November 2016.